The working memory model

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Created by
Ephie

Cards (23)

  • First described by Baddeley and Hitch in 1974
  • Explains how the STM works
  • addresses the limitations of the MSM- too simplistic
  • does not explain how LTM works
  • suggested that STM is a dynamic processor of different types of information using sub-units coordinated by a central-decision making system
  • Used dual task technique to support the idea of multiple stores in the STM
  • if you do two tasks at the same time that require the same senses you perform them less well than if you do them separately
  • if you do two tasks at the same time and one is visual and the other acoustic, there is no interference so you do them as well simultaneously as you would independently
  • What does the dual task technique suggest?
    There are two separate stores, one for visual processing and the other for auditory processing
  • The central executive controls attention and coordinates the actions of the two sub-systems
  • the central executive has a limited capacity (4 items)
  • The phonological loop deals with auditory info
  • The phonological loop is made up of:
    • Articulatory process
    • Phonological store
  • The articulatory process rehearses info verbally and is used for words we can see or hear
  • The phonological store stores words we can hear (aka the inner ear)
  • The visuo-spatial sketchpad deals with visual and spatial info
  • Logie (1995) separated the visuo-spatial store into 2 subdivisions:
    • visual cache- stores visual data
    • inner scriber- spatial info
  • Baddeley added the episodic buffer in 2000
  • The episodic buffer is a temporary store where visual, spatial and verbal info is integrated
  • the episodic buffer has a limited capacity of 4 chunks of info
  • The episodic buffer maintains a sense of time sequencing and links working memory to LTM
  • STRENGTHS:
    • neurobiological evidence- Braver et al (1997)
    • dual task performance- Baddeley et al (1975)
    • Case studies- Shallice and Warrington (1970)
  • LIMITATIONS:
    • lack of clarity over the central executive- Eslinger and Damasio (1985)