Working memory model Flashcards
(12 cards)
What are the components of the working memory model?
- central executive
- working memory - visuospatial sketchpad, episodic buffer, phonological loop
- long-term memory
What is the function of the central executive?
- command centre - decides how and when sub-systems are used
- attention control
- processes sensory information, modality free - can process any type
What is the capacity of the central executive?
limited
What is the phonological loop?
auditory component of working memory
What are the components and functions of the phonological loop?
phonological store - “inner ear”, acoustic information
articulatory control system - “inner voice”, translates written words into speech (verbal)
What is the visuospatial sketchpad?
visual component of working memory - “inner eye”
What is the function of the visuospatial sketchpad?
- attends to and organises visual and spatial information
- used for visual imagery and to find our way around
What are the components and functions of the visuospatial sketchpad?
visual cache - visual (form & colour)
inner scribe - spatial & movement
What is the function of the episodic buffer?
- communicates between LTM and slave systems
- holds several sources of information active at the same time, while you consider what is needed in the present situation
What are the strengths of the working memory model?
- more detailed & dynamic than the multi-store model
- explains how different processes occur at the same time (e.g. response to visual & acoustic stimuli at once)
- can be tested under controlled conditions
What are the limitations of the working memory model?
- little insight into how the central executive functions
- unclear how different components interact
- doesn’t say much about LTM processes
- doesn’t explain memory distortion or role of emotion in memory formation
Which studies can be used for the working memory model
Baddely & Hitch (1974)
Baddely et al. (1973)
