Memory: Working Memory Model Flashcards
What are the 4 main components of the WMM?
- Central Executive
- Phonological Loop
- Visuo-spatial sketchpad
- Episodic Buffer
What type of memory is the WMM used for?
Short-term memory only.
How is the WMM and MSM different?
MSM is a unitary system (means a single system without any subsystems), whereas WMM is NOT a unitary store. (suggests 4 components carry out short-term memory)
What can the WMM be frequently susceptible to?
- Distractions
- Overload
- Overwork
Brief summary of WMM process?
- Input goes to sensory memory
- Sensory memory to central executive (if you’ve paid attention)
- Central executive to LTM
What is the central executive?
- The central executive (supervisor)
- Has overall control
What are the responsibilities of central executive?
- Processes info from any sensory system.
- Allocates tasks to slave systems.
- Most important part of working model.
Describe the capacity of central executive?
- Limited capacity
- Has the capacity to focus, divide and switch attention.
What study supports CE?
Braver 1997
What was the method of Braver?
Brain scan while carrying out cognitive tasks.
How does Braver’s study support the existence of CE?
Demonstrates that there is a specific area associated with the tasks carried out by CE. Suggesting there is a specific components that can be called CE.
What are the two slave systems?
- Phonological Loop
- Visuo-spatial sketchpad
What is the phonological loop/features?
- The ‘inner ear’ - deals with auditory information.
- Holds auditory speech info.
- Has limited capacity.
- Consists of of phonological store + articulatory loop.
What is the phonological store?
Holds words that are heard.
What is the ‘Articulatory loop’?
Allows maintenance rehearsal (i.e. repeating words in head)
