the working memory model

the working memory model

1. explanation fo how one aspect of STM is organised and functions

   • part of the mind that's active when temporarily storing information

2. central executive

   • attentional process- monitors incoming information, makes decisions and allocates slave systems
   • has a limited processing capacity

3. phonological loop

   • a slave system that deals with auditory information (acoustic coding) and preserves the order of the information
   • phonological store
     • stores words we hear
   • articulary process
     • allows maintenance rehearsal
     • has a capacity of 2 seconds of what can be said

4. visuo spatial sketchpad

   • slave system where visual and spatial information is stored
   • limited capacity Baddley et al 2003 3-4 objects
   • Logie 1995 made a subdivision
     • visual cache- stores visual information
     • inner scribe records arrangement of objects in a visual field

5. episodic buffer

   • a slave system that temporarily stores information and integrating visual, spatial, verbal information processed by other stores
   • seen as storage component of the central executive
   • limited capacity - 4 chunks
   • links working memory to LTM and wider cognitive processes such as perception

6. evaluation

   • clinical evidence
     • Schalice and Warrington 1970 carried out a case study on KF who had poor STM for verbal information due to brain damage he could process visual information which suggested the phonological loop was damaged. this supports the existence of separate visual and acoustic stores. evidence from brain-damaged patients may not be reliable as it concerns unique cases with patients that have had traumatic experiences
   • dual-task performance
     • supports the existence of the VSS as Baddley et al 1975 found that participants had difficulty carrying out two visual tasks than a verbal and visual task. both visual tasks compete for the same salve system whereas a visual and a verbal task have different slave systems. this then supports separate slave systems in VSS that process visual input
   • lack of clarity over central executive
     • cognitive psychologists are unsatisfactory with this component as it doesn't explain anything. Baddley 2003 suggested that it is the most important but least understood component of working memory. needs to be more specified than just attention as it has many components that WMM hasn't fully explained
   • brain scanning studies support the WMM
     • Braver et al 1997gave participants tasks that involve the central executive whilst having a brain scan. they found greater activity in the prefrontal cortex which increased when the tasks got harder. the higher the demands for the central executive the harder it has to work to fulfil its function