Working Memory Model

Question 1

What is the working memory model?

Answer 1

Suggests that STM is a dynamic processor of different types of information using sub units, coordinated by a central decision making system

Question 2

What are the main 4 categories?

Answer 2

Central executive
Visualslatial sketch pad
Episodic buffer
Phonological loop

Question 3

Central executive

Answer 3

Limited capacity 
Info from senses
Pass jobs onto slaves
Reasoning and decision making
Which issues deserve attention- metaphor for Brian

Question 4

Phonological loop

Answer 4

Limited capacity
Deals with auditory info
-) phonological store- holds words heard
-) articulating process- inner voice

Question 5

Visuospatial sketch pad

Answer 5

Inner eye
Visual- what things look like
Spatial- relationships between things
Limited capacity

Question 6

Episodic buffer

Answer 6

Added later
Extra storage
Limited capacity of 4 chunks
Interstates info from all other places

Question 7

Baddeley et al , evidence for phonological loop

Answer 7

Investigate existence of PL in STM
/
Everyday words displayed quickly after another. Write words in order as seen
CON1) 5 one syllable English words
CON2) 5 polysyllabic English words
/
Recalled shorter one syllable words better. Word length effect
/
Amount you hold it for is determined by length of time it takes to say words
PL holds amount of info u can say for 2s

Question 8

Baddeley et al - evidence for Visuo spatial sketch pad

Answer 8

Existence of Visuo spatial sketch pad in STM
/
Visualise a letter and describe angles at each point at same time as completing Visual tracking task
Task1) angle on top of bottom of letter say yes
If anywhere else say no
Task2)track movement of a dot of light with a pointer
/
Hard to do as dealing with VSS at same time
/
Supports existence of separate stores as if no different components, wouldn’t struggle

Question 9

Strength of WMM

Answer 9

More then one Slave system as participants found it hard doing two tasks simultaneously than doing visual and verbal task at same time

Evidence for brain damaged patients
-no problem with visual but struggled with verbal

Question 10

Weakness of WMM

Answer 10

Evidence from brain damaged participant may not be reliable as based on one person

Central executive poorly explained