An improved version of the short-term memory store in the multi-store model
Working memory model
Able to explain how the brain can hold and work on both auditory and visual information in short-term memory
Differences between short-term memory and working memory model
Working memory model is an active processor, not just a passive store
Central executive
Part of the working memory model that pays attention to information from the senses and controls the other components
Phonological loop
Subsystem that processes auditory information like sounds and words, consisting of a phonological store and an articulatory process
Visuospatial sketchpad
Subsystem responsible for processing visual and spatial information, consisting of a visual cache and an inner scribe
Episodic buffer
Part of the working memory model added to integrate information from different sources
AQA specification only requires knowledge of coding and capacity for the working memory model, not the detailed features of each store
Dual task performance
Central executive can coordinate visual and verbal tasks, but phonological loop is overwhelmed if both tasks are verbal
Case study of KF showed selective impairment to verbal short-term memory but not visual short-term memory, suggesting separate processes
Brain scanning evidence showed more activation in prefrontal cortex when visual and verbal information was integrated, suggesting existence of episodic buffer
Study found people could remember more short monosyllabic words than longer words, supporting capacity of phonological loop as 2 seconds
