Working Memory Model

Question 1

What is the job of the central executive

Answer 1

It decides how much of the limited capacity which is available should be allocated to each modality, in order for the input to be processed

Question 2

How does the Central Executive and the Visuo-Spatial sketch pad related
?

Answer 2

The CE, needs to allocate the correct amount of processing capacity in order for us to make full sense of the visual input. We have to understand and remember what we have seen.

Question 3

What two components need to work in synchronous in order to be able to read

Answer 3

The visuo-spatial sketchpad and the phonological loop.

Question 4

What dos the visuo-spatial sketch pad need to do in order to be able to read?

Answer 4

It needs to be able to recognise the physical patter in the words, their meaning will have to be accessed from LTM and then attached

Question 5

What does the phonological loop do to assist the reading process?

Answer 5

The phonological loop is needed to keep the sound made by the letters alive long enough for the meaning to be accessed from the LTM and then attached

Question 6

What job may the episodic buffer have when reading?

Answer 6

It may be required to link past meaning to present input

Question 7

What can go wrong when reading?

Answer 7

We learn over time how to best use the processing capacity available, with practice

Shortcuts become apparent and used

The Central Executive’s efficiency is key to success

The CE is a part of and dependent on the Attention System

anything that interrupts attention, will affect the functioning of the CE

ADHD- for example

Question 8

What are the four components of the working memory model

Answer 8

• Visuo-Spatial Sketch Pad (Slave system)
• Episodic Buffer
• Phonological Loop (Slave system)
• The Central Executive