Working Memory Model AO3

Question 1

✅ How does Braver et al. (1997) support the Central Executive (CE) in the WMM?

Answer 1

Brain scans showed increased activity in the left prefrontal cortex during CE tasks, with greater activity as task difficulty increased, supporting the idea of a CE that allocates resources.

Question 2

✅How does Shallice and Warrington’s (1970) study of patient KF support the WMM?

Answer 2

KF had poor STM for verbal information but could process visual information normally, supporting the existence of separate slave systems (Phonological Loop and Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad)

Question 3

❌ Why is case study evidence like KF’s sometimes criticised?

Answer 3

Case studies focus on unique individuals who have had traumatic experiences, making it hard to generalise the findings to all people.

Question 4

❌ What is a limitation of using brain scans as evidence for the WMM?

Answer 4

Although PET scans show different brain areas for different tasks, they do not clearly show how the CE works, maintaining its vague nature.