Working memory model

• components of the working memory model

  • central executive
  • episodic buffer
  • phonological loop
  • visuospatial sketchpad
• central executive

  • divides our limited attention and allocates data to the sub-systems
  • does not store information
• Episodic buffer

  • communicates both long term memory and the components of the working memory model
• Phonological loop

  • stores auditory information
  • phonological store: stores the words we hear
  • articulatory process: allows for maintenance rehearsal of the words we hear and stores verbal information
• Visuospacial sketchpad

  • deals with visual and spatial information
  • visual cache: stores visual data
  • inner scribe - records the arrangement of objects in our visual field.
• Strengths

  • suggests memory is active rather than passive
  • applies to real life situations, KF brain study, Baddeley and hitch - separate stores for info
• weaknesses

  • limited explanation of the central executive and how it works