Working Memory Model (Robbins and Baddeley & Hitch)

Question 1

Introduction (Memory is a cognitive process used to store, encode and retrieve information. The Working Memory Model by Baddeley and Hitch proposes that memory is made up of…)

Answer 1

• Three different systems
• Central executive: COMMAND SYSTEM allocates data into VSS, phonological loop, episodic buffer
• VSS: Visual and spatial info
• Phonological loop: spoken and written material
• Episodic buffer: remembering memories as a sequence

Question 2

Robbins et al Aim

Answer 2

To study the role of working memory in the visuo-spatial task of memorizing chess board pieces.

Question 3

Robbins et al Method

Answer 3

• 20 male chess players from Cambridge, split into weak/strong players
• 10 seconds to memorise placing: 16 chess pieces from actual chess games and recreate the placing from memory on another board

Question 4

What conditions were Robbins participants under?

Answer 4

• Verbal interference using articulatory-loop suppression inhibit memory performance repetition of the word ‘the’
• Visuospatial interference using VSS suppression: press keys on calculator to metronome

Question 5

Robbins findings

Answer 5

• Articulatory suppression task (phonological loop) no effect
• VSS and central executive blocking worsened performance

Question 6

Robbins Link

Answer 6

Supports that the working memory is made up of ‘slave systems’. When using VSS for both memorizing chess pieces and carrying out task of pressing numbers had a reduced ability. Those who repeated words using phonological loop were not affected ->

Suggests that two tasks can be carried out at the same time as long as different parts of the memory system were used.

Question 7

Robbins Strengths

Answer 7

All conditions were tested on every player

Question 8

Robbins Limitations

Answer 8

Only done on male chess players (small sample size, cannot generalise to population

Culture? Only took place in the UK

Question 8

Baddeley and Hitch Aim

Answer 8

Investigate if participants could use different parts of WMM at the same time

Question 9

Baddeley and Hitch Method

Answer 9

• Participants asked to perform two tasks AT THE SAME TIME (dual task technique)
  
  • 1. Digit span task, asked to REPEAT A LIST OF NUMBERS
  • 2. A VERBAL REASONING TASK which required them to answer TRUE or FALSE

Question 10

Baddeley and Hitch Findings

Answer 10

As the number of digits got longer in digit span tasks, participants took longer to answer reasoning (but not much longer)

No more errors in the verbal reasoning as the number of digits increased

Question 11

Baddeley and Hitch Link

Answer 11

Verbal reasoning task used the CENTRAL EXECUTIVE, Digit span task used PHONOLOGICAL LOOP - using both had no effect upon the accuracy of the other, therefore support of separation of different systems

Question 12

Baddeley and Hitch Strengths

Answer 12

High internal validity as it is a lab experiment (can create C+E relationship)

Question 13

Baddeley and Hitch Limitations

Answer 13

Lacks ecological validity

Question 14

WMM Conclusion

Answer 14

Both studies support the existence of multicomponent system that functions in separation of the other, processes information separately