Working Memory Model

Working Memory Model

1. Central executive

   • -acts asa filter to determine which info received by sense organs is attended to  -processes all information in sensory form  -direct info to two slave systems -PL and VSS -Limited capacity 
   • Baddeley-keyboard task
     • -ppts found it difficult to generate lists of random numbers while simultaneously switching between pressing numbers and letters on a keyboard  -suggests two tasks competing for CE resources  -CE has a limited capacity 
   • D'Esposito-fMRI scan
     • -Prefrontal cortex activated when verbal and spatial tasks performed simultaneously but not separately  -Brain area associated with workings of the CE
   • Evaluation
     • -Little is known about the CE or its role other than competing for resources if two tasks cannot be performed together  -CE better understood as controlling attention rather than being a memory store 

2. Phonological Loop

   • -Deals with auditory info  -Limited capacity-determined by amount of info  -Confusions occur with similar sounding words as it's an acoustic store 
   • has 2 sub components  -Primary acoustic store (PAS) inner ear stores words recently heard  -Articulatory process (AP) inner voice keeps info in PL through sub vocal repetition of info /linked to speech production 
   • Trojani +Grossi- case study of SC
     • Case study of SC -Brain damage affecting functioning of PL but not his VSS -suggests PL is a separate system 
   • Baddeley
     • -Word length effect  -ppts recalled more short words in serial order than longer words  -Supports that capacity of PL is set by how long it takes to say the words rather than the number of words 
   • Evaluation
     • PET scans show different brain areas activated in visual and verbal tasks  -PL and VSS therefore separate systems 
     • PL associated with evolution of language  -Development of slave system associated with ability to remember vocalisations  -Helped learning of complex language

3. Visuo Spatial Sketchpad

   • -known as the inner eye  -temporary store for visual and spatial info  -Helps to navigate around environment  -info is coded and rehearsed through mental pictures 
   • VSS can be sub divided  -Visual Cache (VC) stores visual material about form and colour  -Inner scribe (IS) handles spatial relationships and rehearses /transfers info in the visual cache to the CE
   • Gathercole +Baddeley
     • ppt had difficulty simultaneously tracking moving light and describing angles on letter F -Both tasks involved VSS  -When tracking light and completing verbal task ppts and no problems involves VSS and PL -VSS separate slave system 
   • Klauer and Zhao
     • -More interference between 2 visual tasks than between between visual and spatial task  -Implies existence of separate visual cache and inner scribe 
   • Evaluation
     • -studies of VSS and PL often feature dual task technique  -Actual tasks not always encountered in everyday life - ecological validity 

4. Episodic Buffer

   • -Added a third slave system as the model needs a general store to operate properly  -PL and VSS- temporary storage and limited capacity  -CE no storage capacity  -introduced to explain how possible to temporarily store info from CE PL VSS and LTM 
   • Alkhalifa
     • -patient severely impaired LTM  -Demonstrated STM capacity-25 prose items (exceeding capacity of PL and VSS)  -Suggests existence of EB - hold items in working memory until they are recalled 

5. WMM application

   • -For children with ADHD who show impairments to WM  -brief simple instructions  -break instructions down to simple steps  -frequently repeat instructions 

6. Evaluation of WMM

   • Strengths
     • Explains STM in terms of both temporary storage and active processing
     • Unlike the MSM which explains structure of memory the WMM attempts to explain how memory functions
     • PL plays a key role in development of reading - not functioning properly in those with dyslexia, PL helps with comprehending complex text and learning new spoken vocab
     • Can account for individual differences in memory
     • Relationship between working memory and performance
     • Application for jobs measure of suitability