working memory model

• What components of memory are being used when working on a task?

  Working memory components
• What is working memory?

  It is a system for temporarily holding information
• What does the working memory model describe?

  Structure and function of short-term memory
• What are the components of the working memory model?

  • Central Executive
  • Phonological Loop
  • Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad
  • Episodic Buffer
• What is the role of the Central Executive in working memory?

  It directs attention and allocates resources
• What does the Phonological Loop control?

  Auditory information
• What are the two subdivisions of the Phonological Loop?

  Phonological store and articulatory process
• What is the function of the Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad?

  Processes visual and spatial information
• What is the limited capacity of the Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad?

  About 3 to 4 objects
• What are the two subdivisions of the Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad?

  Visual cache and inner scribe
• What is the function of the Episodic Buffer?

  Integrates information from all working memory components
• What is the limited capacity of the Episodic Buffer?

  Four chunks
• How does the Central Executive supervise tasks?

  By allocating tasks and monitoring data
• How do you use the Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad in a task?

  • Stores visual data (e.g., image of house)
  • Records arrangement of objects (e.g., windows)
  • Supervised by the Central Executive
• How do you use the Phonological Loop in a calculation task?

  • Inner voice sums up numbers
  • Tally held in the Phonological Store
  • Supervised by the Central Executive
• What is the aim of Baddeley & Hitch's dual task technique?

  To investigate simultaneous use of working memory parts
• What tasks were participants asked to perform in Baddeley & Hitch's study?

  Digit span task and verbal reasoning task
• What was the conclusion of Baddeley & Hitch's study?

  Different tasks use different working memory components
• What clinical evidence supports the working memory model?

  • KF had poor verbal STM but normal visual processing
  • Suggests separate visual and acoustic stores
• What do studies of dual-task performance suggest?

  • Support separate existence of the Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad
  • Visual tasks compete for the same system
• What did Braver et al. (1997) find in their brain studies?

  Increased activity in left prefrontal cortex
• What did Baddeley (2003) say about the Central Executive?

  It is the most important but least understood component
• What is a criticism of the Central Executive?

  • Lacks clarity and detailed specification
  • May consist of separate components