Working Memory

Working Memory

1. There is only one kind of memory storage, but different kinds of information processing.

2. A memory structure consists of a limited-capacity "workspace" that can be divided between storage & control processing flexibly.

3. 3 Components

   • The Central Executive
     • Monitors, manipulates, & integrates the 2 slave buffer systems.
     • 4 Functions
       • Updating of short-term memory buffers
         • The N-back task
         • Mentally tracking objects & locations
       • Goal setting & planning
         • The Tower of Hanoi
         • Goals, sub-goals, & goal-means
       • Rule learning & switching
         • The Wisconsin Card Sort test
         • Changes responses when response rules are changed
       • Stimulus selection & response inhibition
         • The Stroop task
         • Impulsivity & reflexive response control
   • The Phonological Loop
   • Visuo-spatial sketchpad

4. Brain location

   • Prefrontal cortex (PFC)