Working Memory: Theory and Assumptions

Question 1

What is working memory?

Answer 1

A limited capacity system for temporary maintenance and processing of information in the support of cognition and action.

Question 2

What is working memory actually for?

Answer 2

• Our ability to keep a small amount of information readily available for our current activities
• It supports decision making, actions, keeping track of conversations, navigating, problem solving

Question 3

What are the different sections of the WM?

Answer 3

• Visuo-spatial Sketchpad
• Central executive
• Phonological Loop
  Later introduced the Episodic Buffer

Question 4

What is the Central Executive?

Answer 4

It controls and co-ordinates slave-systems and LTM. It is largely responsible for the allocation of attention in the system.

Question 5

What is the Phonological Loop?

Answer 5

It is specialised to the retention of acoustic and verbal information over short periods of time.

Question 6

What is the Visual-Spatial Sketchpad?

Answer 6

Has roles in:
- Spatial orientation
- Movement planning
- Navigation
- Visuo-spatial problems
- Mental imagery

Question 7

What is the Episodic Buffer?

Answer 7

a limited capacity storage system responsible for integrating information from several sources to create a unified memory, sometimes referred to as a single ‘episode’.