Working Memory model

Working Memory model

1. The CENTRAL EXECUTIVE - Hitch et al

   • controls SLAVE COMPONENTS
     • works MODALITY FREE (without senses)
       • decides
         • a)which task is IMPORTANT
         • b) which COMPONENT is required
           • CE helps with MULTI-TASKING-> allocates slave components- deciding which is more important
         • c) WM helps-> pay ATTENTION
           • e.g talking while driving and cyclists suddenly appears-> helps pay ATTENTION to cyclists and stop talking to CONCENTRATE on driving
     • handles more-than 1 task

2. PHONOLOGICAl STORE

   • linked to SPEECH PERCEPTION
     • SHORT TERM STORE -> receives AUDITORY infor for 1-2 sec
       • info in store= rapidly decay
         • remembers in its ORDER
           • aka INNER EAR
   • PHONOLOGICAL STORE= TWO PARTS
     • ARTICULATORY LOOP
       • Linked to SPEECH production
         • = REHEARSAL and STORAGE of SOUND & SPEECH collected by PS
           • = through REHEARSAL
             • REPEATED-> prevents DECAYING
               • e.g helps remember telephone no. we just heard (inner voice repeats)
                 • aka INNER VOICE

3. THE VISUO SPATIAL SKETCH PAD (VSSP)

   • holds VISUAL MEMORIES e.g faces/images etc..
     • SPATIAL TASKS e.g PLANNING MOVEMENTS/ACTIONS/VISUAL PATTERNS(following a MAP in your mind/playing 'TETRIS'-> predicting if the next shape should go
       • aka INNER EYE

4. STRENGTHS

   • research support-> DUAL TASK DUTIES-> evidence we can MULTI-TASK
     • HITCH et al -> LAB INVESTIGATION in support
       • Participants= VERBAL TASK-> (in ARTICULATORY LOOP) & 1 visual ( task -> showing diff stores = take space in diff stores
         • RECALL + not affected
           • However, when asked to complete similar task (both articulatory) = DIFFICULTY in concentration-> recall in 1st task = affected
             • e.g 2 people talking to yo at once = difficult to concentrate (same task)
   • PET scans = provide PHYSIOLOGICAL evidence
     • COHEN et al -> brain activity = high in BRONCAS AREA (speech production)( while completing verbal task
       • OCCIPITAL LOBE = high (visual processing) when completing visual task
         • physiological evidence = supports WM

5. WEAKNESS

   • CE component= OVER SIMPLIFIED
     • LIMITED detail on how CE is controls 'slave components' e.g how it work MODALITY FREE
       • more research needed on its IMPORTANCE and INTERACTION between CE & slave components