wmm Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is the Working Memory Model (WMM)?
Proposed by Baddeley & Hitch (1974), it describes STM as an active, multi-component system for temporary storage and processing during tasks like problem-solving and reading.
What is the role of the Central Executive in the WMM?
It allocates attention and resources to subsystems, has limited capacity, and is responsible for switching between tasks.
What are the components of the Phonological Loop?
Phonological Store: Stores words we hear.
Articulatory Process: Repeats words silently for rehearsal (maintenance).
What is the function of the Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad (VSS)?
Stores visual and spatial information (e.g., remembering a layout); subdivided into visual cache (stores data) and inner scribe (records spatial arrangements).
What does the Episodic Buffer do in the WMM?
Integrates visual, spatial, and verbal information, links working memory to long-term memory, and maintains sense of time sequencing.
How does the WMM differ from the Multi-Store Model (MSM)?
WMM views STM as multiple interacting systems, not a single unit like in the MSM.
What clinical evidence supports separate STM components in WMM?
Patient KF had poor STM for verbal (damaged PL) but intact visual memory (VSS), showing separate components.
How do dual-task studies support WMM?
Baddeley et al. (1975) found participants could do a verbal and visual task together but struggled with two visual tasks, supporting separate VSS and PL systems.
What is a limitation of the Central Executive (CE) in the WMM?
It is not well-defined and is vaguely described as “attention,” lacking clarity about structure and function.
What challenges the real-world validity of the WMM?
Most supporting studies are artificial and may not reflect everyday memory use, limiting generalisability.
