working model of memory

Question 1

what did Baddeley and Hitch propose in 197 4

Answer 1

Proposed that the WMM has 4 separate and interdependent aspects in memory
1. phonological loop
2. visuospatial sketchpad
3. central executive
4. episodic butter

Question 2

what is the function of the phonological loop

Answer 2

it is a storage system for auditory info - phono language, inner ear and inner voice

Question 3

what is the function of the visuospatial sketchpad

Answer 3

storage system for visual info - iconic sensory memory (functions differently between people), allows us to see/keep an image in our minds as we process other things

Question 4

what is the function of central executive

Answer 4

it is responsible for switching attention from task to task and organises/decides what goes into or out of LTM (see process on doc)

Question 5

what is the function of the episodic buffer

Answer 5

theoretical component - acts as both bridge and filter in central executive and LTM for visual and auditory info, explains how we time order memories of events

Question 6

strengths to the WMM

Answer 6

• ability to store and actively process info
• a lot of supporting research to this
• ecological validity: supports real life experiences
• explains a wider range of tasks - verbal reasoning, comphrension, reading, problem-solving, visual and spatial processing

Question 7

limitations to the WMM

Answer 7

• episodic buffer not well understood
• cross-cultural studies show influence of other factors - levels of school
• most research has been performed in a lab - low eco validity