The working memory model (WMM)

• The working memory model was proposed by Baddeley and Hitch in 1974.
• The Working Memory Model is an explanation that sees STM as an active store holding several pieces of information simultaneously.
• Components of the Working Memory Model (WMM)

  1. Central executive
  2. Phonological Loop
  3. Visuo-spatial sketchpad
  4. Episodic buffer
• The central executive (WMM)

  • A component of the WMM that oversees and co-ordinates the components of working memory.
  • The Central Executive acts as a filter to determine which information received by the sense organs is and isn't attended to.
  • Directs information to the model's slave system.
• The central executive (WMM) - RESEARCH

  • Baddeley (1996) discovered participants found it difficult to generate lists of random numbers while simultaneously switching between pressing numbers and letters on a keyboard, suggestion the two tasks were competing for CE resources. This supports the idea of the CE being limited in capacity and only able to cope with one type of information at a time.
• The Phonological Loop (WMM)

  • The component of the WMM that deals with auditory information.
  • The PL is similar to the rehearsal system of the MSM with a limited capacity determined by the amount of information spoken outload in two seconds.
• The Phonological Loop (WMM)

  • Baddeley divided the PL into two sub-parts:
  • Primary acoustic store (PAS) which is a part of the PL that stores words heard.
  • Articulatory process (AP) which is a part of the PL acoustic store that allows sub-vocal repetition of information within the store.
• The Phonological Loop (WMM) - RESEARCH

  • Trojani & Grossi (1995) reported a case study of SC who had brain damage affecting the functioning of his PL but not his VSS, suggesting the PL to be a separate system.
• Visuo-spatial sketchpad (WMM)

  • A component of the WMM that deals with visual information and the physical relationship of items.
  • The VSS helps people interact with their physical environment, with information being coded and rehearsed through the use of mental pictures.
• Visuo-spatial sketchpad (WMM)

  • Logie divided the VSS into two parts:
  • Visual cache (VC) is a part of the VSS that stores information about form and colour.
  • The Inner Scribe is a part of the VSS that stores information about the physical relationships of items.
• Visuo-spatial sketchpad (WMM) - RESEARCH

  • Klauer & Zhao (2004) reported more interference between two visual tasks than between a visual and a spatial task, implying the existence of a separate visual cache and inner scribe.
• Episodic Buffer (WMM)

  • A component of the WMM that serves as a temporary store of integrated information from the central executive, phonological loop, visuo-spatial sketchpad and LTM.
  • It has limited capacity.