Memory - working memory model

Question 1

what is the working memory model

Answer 1

Baddeley and Hitch (1974)
- how STM is organised and works

Question 2

what are the features of the model

Answer 2

• central executive
• phonological loop
• visuo-spatial sketchpad
• episodic buffer

Question 3

what is the central executive

Answer 3

• allocates slave systems to tasks
• monitors incoming data
• makes decisions

Question 4

what is the phonological loop

Answer 4

• phonological store (inner ear) - holds the words that you hear
• auditory process (inner voice) - words that are silently repeated / seen or heard

Question 5

what is the visuo-spatial sketchpad

Answer 5

• visual cache - stores information about visual items
• inner scribe - spatial relationship between objects in the visual field

Question 6

what is the episodic buffer

Answer 6

• brings together the information from sub-systems and stores it as one memory

Question 7

what are the strengths of the model

Answer 7

Dual task performance
- when carrying out a visual task and verbal task at the same time the performance was similar to when carrying out both separately
- can’t do two visual/verbal tasks at the same time as they compete for the same slave system

Shallice and Warrington
- KF had poor STM for audio but could processes visual things
- demonstrates the existence of two separate stores

Question 8

what are the limitations of the model

Answer 8

Central executive
- same as attention
- vague concept
- may consist of separate components

• model of temporary STM
• doesn’t mention LTM