Working Memory Model Flashcards
(13 cards)
Who proposed the Working Memory Model and when?
Baddeley and Hitch (1974) introduced it; Baddeley updated it in 1986.
What key concept did the WMM replace?
It replaced the concept of a single short-term store with an active system for temporarily storing and manipulating information.
What is working memory?
An active system that temporarily stores and manipulates information for complex cognitive tasks like learning, reasoning, and comprehension.
What does working memory help us do in everyday life?
Helps keep track of what we are doing moment-to-moment and holds info long enough to make decisions.
What are the main components of the Working Memory Model?
1) Central Executive
2) Phonological Loop
3) Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad
What does the dual-task paradigm show about WMM?
Tasks using different subsystems can be performed simultaneously without interference; tasks using the same subsystem interfere and reduce performance.
What was the method used by Baddeley and Hitch (1974)?
Participants were asked to complete two tasks simultaneously (a dual-task technique):
A digit span task — repeat a string of digits aloud (e.g., 2–4–6).
A verbal reasoning task — answer true/false questions about simple statements (e.g., “B is followed by A”).
What was the aim of Baddeley and Hitch (1974)’s study on working memory?
To investigate whether different components of working memory can be used at the same time by testing the idea that STM is not a unitary store but consists of multiple subsystems.
What were the results of the Baddeley and Hitch (1974) dual-task experiment?
As the number of digits in the digit span task increased, participants took slightly longer to answer the verbal reasoning questions — but only by fractions of a second. Accuracy in the reasoning task did not decrease significantly.
How does Baddeley and Hitch (1974) support the Working Memory Model?
It provides experimental support for the division of STM into distinct components. The ability to perform two tasks simultaneously without significant interference supports the model’s claim of modality-specific slave systems with limited, independent capacities.
What did Baddeley and Hitch (1974) conclude from the results?
The phonological loop for the digit span task
The central executive for the verbal reasoning task
This supports the idea that STM is not a single store but a system with multiple specialized subsystems.
What are some weaknesses of the Working Memory Model?
1) Central Executive is vaguely defined with little direct evidence.
2) Central Executive capacity has never been measured.
3) Only explains STM, not a full memory model
Q: List some strengths of the Working Memory Model.
Supported by experimental evidence (dual-task studies).
2) Explains active processing, not just passive storage
