Working Memory Model Flashcards
What does the working memory model refer to
That the STM is an active, multi-component store, holding several pieces of information while they are being worked on. It is a further explanation of the MSM.
Name all the slave systems in the WMM
-Central executive
-Visuo-spatial sketchpad
-Phonological loop
-Episodic buffer
Each has a limited capacity
What does the CE do
- Determines which information recieved is payed attention to and directs it to the slave systems
- No storage capacity and processing capacity is limited
- Selective and allows us to switch our attention
What does the PL do
- Deals with sounds and their order
- Limited capacity - 2 seconds
What does the VSS do
- For visual items and our spatial awareness
- Allows us to interact with the physical environment
- Visual cache and inner scribe
What is the episodic buffer
It is a temporary store combining information
Has a larger capacity and passes info to the LTM and stores info from the LTM to make sense of new info
Name a dual task study
Baddaley - people couldnt carry out two complex tasks so evidence for CE
Name a brain study
PET scan - different brain areas for visual and spatial tasks. Visual cache and inner scribe
What are the criticisms of the WMM
- Lacks sufficient detail of CE
- Dual tasks lack mundane realism
Describe the WMM
This is a model of STM that views it as active, with multiple components
The CE is responsible for directing attention and passing sensory information to the appropriate slave systems. It has no storage capacity and limited processing ability.
The VSS temporarily stores and processes visual and spatial information. It helps us find our way around the physical environment.
The PL deals with auditory information and it’s order. Both have limited capacity.
The EB is where processed information from the slave systems is combined and stored ready to be passed to the LTM.
It also accesses stored LTMs in order to make sense of newly processed information.
