2.2: The central executive (CE) Flashcards
A researcher investigated the working memory model using a laboratory experiment. Forty students from a local college volunteered to take part.
In Condition A, 20 students performed the following two tasks at the same time:
• mentally counting backwards from 100
• tracking coloured shapes on a computer screen.
In Condition B, 20 different students performed the following two tasks at the same time:
• mentally counting backwards from 100
• reading a poem out loud.
The researcher predicted that the performance of students in Condition A would be better than the performance of students in Condition B.
Briefly explain two ways in which the working memory experiment described above could be improved (4 marks).
One way
One way is changing the type of experiment to a field experiment, for instance.
The research could be carried out in a more natural setting
A researcher investigated the working memory model using a laboratory experiment. Forty students from a local college volunteered to take part.
In Condition A, 20 students performed the following two tasks at the same time:
• mentally counting backwards from 100
• tracking coloured shapes on a computer screen.
In Condition B, 20 different students performed the following two tasks at the same time:
• mentally counting backwards from 100
• reading a poem out loud.
The researcher predicted that the performance of students in Condition A would be better than the performance of students in Condition B.
Briefly explain two ways in which the working memory experiment described above could be improved (4 marks).
One way is changing the type of experiment to a field experiment, for instance.
The research could be carried out in a more natural setting.
Example
For example, an office environment or a classroom
A researcher investigated the working memory model using a laboratory experiment. Forty students from a local college volunteered to take part.
In Condition A, 20 students performed the following two tasks at the same time:
• mentally counting backwards from 100
• tracking coloured shapes on a computer screen.
In Condition B, 20 different students performed the following two tasks at the same time:
• mentally counting backwards from 100
• reading a poem out loud.
The researcher predicted that the performance of students in Condition A would be better than the performance of students in Condition B.
Briefly explain two ways in which the working memory experiment described above could be improved (4 marks).
One way is changing the type of experiment to a field experiment, for instance.
The research could be carried out in a more natural setting.
For example, an office environment or a classroom.
Another way
Another way is changing the nature of the tasks, so that they are more reflective of real-life behaviour
A researcher investigated the working memory model using a laboratory experiment. Forty students from a local college volunteered to take part.
In Condition A, 20 students performed the following two tasks at the same time:
• mentally counting backwards from 100
• tracking coloured shapes on a computer screen.
In Condition B, 20 different students performed the following two tasks at the same time:
• mentally counting backwards from 100
• reading a poem out loud.
The researcher predicted that the performance of students in Condition A would be better than the performance of students in Condition B.
Briefly explain two ways in which the working memory experiment described above could be improved (4 marks).
One way is changing the type of experiment to a field experiment, for instance.
The research could be carried out in a more natural setting.
For example, an office environment or a classroom.
Another way is changing the nature of the tasks, so that they are more reflective of real-life behaviour.
Example
For example, reading e-mails whilst talking on the phone, ect
Outline one strength of the working memory model (4 marks).
One strength
One strength is that most people can successfully perform dual-tasks.
The multi-store model cannot explain this, but the working memory model can
Outline one strength of the working memory model (4 marks).
One strength is that most people can successfully perform dual-tasks.
The multi-store model cannot explain this, but the working memory model can.
Baddeley and Hitch concluded from their dual-task technique experiment that STM must be made up of several components, all of which are involved in processes other than simple storage
Outline one strength of the working memory model (4 marks).
One strength is that most people can successfully perform dual-tasks.
The multi-store model cannot explain this, but the working memory model can.
Baddeley and Hitch concluded from their dual-task technique experiment that STM must be made up of several components, all of which are involved in processes other than simple storage.
What does this mean?
This means that the working memory model led to a greater understanding of memory in the field of cognitive psychology, because it is more effective and accurate than the multi-store model
Outline one limitation of the working memory model (4 marks).
One limitation
One limitation is that little is known about the central executive - It isn’t clear what it does or how it works.
Cognitive psychologists suggest that the central executive component of the working memory model is unsatisfactory and doesn’t really explain anything
Outline one limitation of the working memory model (4 marks).
One limitation is that little is known about the central executive - It isn’t clear what it does or how it works.
Cognitive psychologists suggest that the central executive component of the working memory model is unsatisfactory and doesn’t really explain anything.
How did Baddeley himself recognise this?
Baddeley himself recognised this when he said that the ‘central executive is the most important, but the least understood, component of the working memory model’ (2003)
Outline one limitation of the working memory model (4 marks).
One limitation is that little is known about the central executive - It isn’t clear what it does or how it works.
Cognitive psychologists suggest that the central executive component of the working memory model is unsatisfactory and doesn’t really explain anything.
Baddeley himself recognised this when he said that the ‘central executive is the most important, but the least understood, component of the working memory model’ (2003).
What does this mean?
This means that the working memory model hasn’t been fully explained and so isn’t a valid explanation of memory
