Working memory model (WMM)

Question 1

What is the idea behind the working memory model?

Answer 1

That the STM is not one singular store, but has multiple components each with a different task to play in memory.

Question 2

What does the WMM tell us about our ability to multitask?

Answer 2

It shows us that two tasks can be completed simultaneously, however, they must be using different components of the STM.

Question 3

Who created the WMM?

Answer 3

Alan Baddely and Graham Hitch.

Question 4

When was the WMM created?

Answer 4

1974.

Question 5

Name the different parts of the WMM?

Answer 5

The central executive,
The phonological loop,
The visuo-spatial sketchpad,
The episodic buffer.

Question 6

What is the central executive?

Answer 6

The control unit, it is responsible for a range of control processes such as co-ordination of tasks being done at the same time and switching the selective attention between tasks.

Question 7

The working memory model can be demonstrated by counting the windows in your house in your head, explain what each part of the model is doing during this activity:

Answer 7

• The image of the house is set up by the visuo-spatial sketchpad.
• The number of windows are counted by the phonological loop.
• The process is controlled by the central executive / episodic buffer.

Question 8

What is the visuo-spatial sketchpad?

Answer 8

A specialised area for spatial and visual coding, helping you interact with the physical environment by acting as a 3D workbench..

Question 9

Which slave system can be described as a 3D workbench?

Answer 9

Visuo-spatial sketchpad.

Question 10

T / F:

The visuo-spatial sketchpad is a temporary memory system.

Answer 10

True.

Question 11

What is the episodic buffer?

Answer 11

Controls the interactions between the phonological loop and the visuo-spatial sketchpad, directing where attention is aimed.

Question 12

What is the storage capacity of the episodic buffer, phonological loop and visuo-spatial sketchpad?

Answer 12

Episodic buffer = no storage capacity.
Phonological loop = limited storage capacity.
Visuo-spatial sketchpad = limited storage capacity.

Question 13

What are the two subdivisions of the the phonological loop?

Answer 13

Articulatory process and Primary acoustic store.

Question 14

What is the ‘inner voice’ called?

Answer 14

Articulatory process.

Question 15

What is the articulatory process?

Answer 15

Where words are maintained through sub-vocal repetition.

Question 16

Which division of the phonological loop is concerned with speech perception?

Answer 16

Primary acoustic store.

Question 17

Which division of the phonological loop is concerned with speech production?

Answer 17

Articulatory process.

Question 18

Where is the primary acoustic store located?

Answer 18

Inner ear.

Question 19

What is the primary acoustic store?

Answer 19

A temporary store for recently heard words.