Working memory

• Credibility - Lots of research

  • Research into dual task paradigm
  • Pps get confused with lists that sound similar but not with words that have similar meanings - phonological loops codes acoustically and gets overloaded
  • Baddeley - similar sounding words are not recalled as well as dissimilar sounding words
  • Nelson Cowan - working memory more efficient if chunks information together (can only handle 4)
• Differences - Similarities with Multi store model

  • Working memory model replaces STM and provides more detailed explanation of rehearsal and retrieval from LTM
  • WMM suggests phonological loop is responsible for rehearsal process
  • Central executive directs attention from relevant information stored in LTM and brings into working memory for processing
  • One difference is WMM is a model still developing whereas the MSM is fixed
• Application - Helps dementia

  • Episodic Buffer seems to help people who cannot encode memories in LTM or have trouble retrieving LTM. (brain damaged patients like KF)
  • Cognitive stimulation helps brain damaged patients
  • Cognitive Stimulation uses prompts and activities to reawaken early memories and get patients to talk about their lives
  • Pulling memories together into a story is the job of the Episodic Buffer