The Working Memory Model

• The Working Memory Model - Baddeley and Hitch (1974)

  
• The Central Executive - A filter which monitors and co-ordinates the activity of the other components.
• The Episodic Buffer - This was added by Baddeley in 2000, after the model failed to explain the result of various studies. It acts as a backup store That communicates with the LTM and working memory.
• The Phonological Loop

  • Articulatory Control System - inner voice / a verbal rehearsal system.
  • Phonological Store - inner ear / memory trace lasts 1.5 - 2 seconds if not refreshed by the Articulatory Control System.
• Strengths:

  • Improvement from the Multi Store Model
  • Supporting research by Baddeley on dual task performance (however this could be bias as he made the model)
  • Brain damage of KF -STM problems were greater for auditory than visual
  • Model interactive / dynamic
  • Practical applications - dual coding helps you remember
  • Scientifically robust (equipment used)
• Limitations:

  • The role of the Central Executive is unclear (case study of EVR)
  • Research from Baddeley is bias
  • Case studies only on brain damaged patients
  • Doesn’t leave room for individual experience
  • Limited research support
  • Dual task research lacks ecological validity
• Case study - EVR

  EVR had a cerebral tumour removed. He performed well on reasoning skills, suggesting is Central Executive was in tact, but poorly on decision making, suggesting it wasn’t.