Working Memory

Working Memory

1. This model is derived from experimental work from normal adults and children, from studies of individuals who have suffered brain damage, from computational modelling, and from recent work using brain imaging techniques.

2. Basics of working memory

   • Working memory has to deal with the products of perception from vision, hearing, taste, smell, and touch.
     • The contents of working memory can be combined with stored knowledge and manipulated, interpreted and recombined to develop new knowledge, assist learning, form goals, and support interaction with the physical environment.

3. Visual appearance and location

   • it allows us to recall the location of objects in our immediate environment that are not currently in view, and to recall those locations when we change our location or orientation.

4. Memory span, counting and language acquisition

   • Any activity that requires retention of a verbal sequence such as remembering a new telephone number long enough to dial it, repeating a foreign word or counting objects would rely on this aspect of working memory.
     • The phonological loop component of working memory has proved useful in studies of language acquisition in young children.

5. Long-term working memory

   • working memory should offer temporary memory for immediate past experience,
     • It should support the acquisition of new knowledge, problem solving and decision making.

6. The role of production factors in writing ability

   • Written language production differs from conversational speech production.
     • writing remains a complex activity in which many different processes must compete for limited attentional capacity.