Working memory model

Question 1

Who proposed it?

Answer 1

Baddeley and Hitch (1974)

Question 2

What does it explain?

Answer 2

the organization and function of the STM.

Question 3

central executive role

Answer 3

monitors incoming data and allocates tasks to other systems.

Question 4

phonological loop role

components?

Answer 4

deals with auditory information and preserves its order.

• phonological store stores words
• articulatory process allows for maintenance rehearsal

Question 5

visuo-spatial sketchpad role

components?

Answer 5

stores visual and spatial information.

• visual cache stores visual data
• inner scribe records object arrangement.

Question 6

episodic buffer role

Answer 6

integrates all information from other stores, maintains time sequencing and links to LTM.

Question 7

STRENGTH: case study support

Answer 7

KF had amnesia. His recall of digits was poor when they were read to him but much better when he read himself. support for separate STM’s for visual and auditory information.

Question 8

STRENGTH: dual task performance

Answer 8

Baddeley (1975) noted its more difficult to do two visual tasks rather than doing a visual and verbal task at the same time. This is because both visual tasks compete for same resources.

Question 9

LIMITATION: central executive isn’t clear.

Answer 9

attention should be elaborated, some believe there are separate components.
Doesn’t give a complete explanation.

Question 10

STRENGTH: brain scans

Answer 10

Braver (1977) scanned brains whilst participants central executive was in use. Activity seen in prefrontal cortex.