Working Memory Model Flashcards
(13 cards)
Explain the Working Memory Model.
Suggests short term memory is not one store but multiple components
- Each components has a different task
- Tasks can be completed simultaneously if they use different components
When was it theorised and by who?
Baddeley and Hitch 1989
What is the Central Executive?
The “control unit”
- Responsible for a range of important control processes
- Coordinates and allocates the activities needed to carry out more than one processing task at a time
- Switches attention between tasks
- Processes all sensory forms
What are the 3 Slave Systems for the Central Executive?
Phonological Loop
Visuospatial Sketchpad
Episodic Buffer
Why does the Central Executive need slave systems?
They can be used as storage systems
- Frees up some of the Central Executive’s capacity to deal with more demanding information processing tasks
When and why was the Episodic Buffer introduced?
In the 2000s after the WMM was criticised for focusing solely on short term memory
What are the two components of the Phonological Loop?
Articulatory Process
Primary Acoustic Store
What is the Articulatory Process?
Maintains words by subvocal repetition
Concerned with speech production
- Limited capacity
- TEMPORARY storage system
What is the Primary Acoustic Store?
Concerned with speech perception
- Limited capacity
- TEMPORARY storage system
What is the Visuospatial Sketchpad?
Specialised for spatial and visual coding
Helps you interact and navigate your physical environment
- Limited capacity
- TEMPORARY memory system
What is the Episodic Buffer?
Used to explain how we temporarily store information COMBINED from the central executive, phonological loop, visuo-spatial sketchpad and long-term memory
Strengths of the Working Memory Model
Evidence to back it up
- Logie et al (1989)
- Examined the role of working memory on complex computer games
- Demonstrates separate components in working memory
- Concluded that it demonstrated existence of separates visuo-spatial and sound based components of working memory
Extremely influential model and most cognitive psychologists use working memory rather than MSM
More plausible model than the multi-store model as it explains STM as both temporary storage and active processing
Attempts to explain real life memory
Useful to help understand learning differences
Limitations of the Working Memory Model
Doesn’t offer a complete understanding of how memory works
- Only involves STM so not a full theory
Exact role played by the central exclusive remains unclear
- Appears to be the most important part yet not enough information about it
Research was generated in artificial settings and have artificial tasks
- Lack of external validity
