Working Memory Model Flashcards
(8 cards)
What does this theory propose?
It is a theory about Short-Term Memory that expands on the Multi-Store Model by giving more detail.
It doesn’t explain Long-Term Memory at all.
It focuses on how info is processed rather than how it is stored
What are the key parts to the Working Memory Model
Central Executive
Phonological Loop - Articulatory Control System and Phonological Store
Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad
Episodic Buffer
What is the Central Executive?
Considered the most important part of working memory as it controls attention and coordinates the actions of other components.
Can briefly store info, but has limited capacity.
When the central executive is not functioning, symptoms of dementia can occur
What is the Phonological Loop??
The Articulatory Control System rehearses info verbally and has a timed based capacity of about 2 seconds
The Phonological Store uses a sound based code to store info, but decays after about 2 seconds, unless it is reheated by the Articulatory Control System. It either receives its input either directly from the ears or from Long-Term Memory
What is the Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad?
Stores and manipulates visual info, input is from the eyes or Long-Term Memory.
What is the Episodic Buffer?
A fairly recent addition to the working memory model by Baddeley in 2000.
It’s purpose is to bind together all the info from the other components with info about time and order. This prepares memories for storage in episodic Long-Term Memory.
Advantage of this theory
It shows that verbal rehearsal is not necessary for all types of info.
E.g. We don’t have to rehearse everything, because events are processed by Episodic Buffer.
Weakness of this theory
Functions of the Central Executive are too vague and difficult to test.
E.g. Baddeley claims the Central Executive has limited capacity; however, how this capacity can be measured independently of the other components are unclear.
