Working memory model

• Working Memory Model (WMM)

  • A mental workspace that holds relevant information temporarily for use in cognitive tasks. Acts as a temporary platform where information is actively processed and manipulated. Short-term memory (STM) conceptualized in a more sophisticated way.
  • Importance of evolving theories and models in response to new scientific findings.
• Components of the WMM

  • Central Executive
  • Episodic Buffer
  • Phonological Loop
  • Visuo-spatial Sketchpad
• Episodic Buffer


  
  

  • Temporarily holds and integrates information from different stores.
  • Supports conscious awareness and complex information processing.
• Visuo-spatial Sketchpad


  Handles visual and spatial information, allowing us to create mental images, visualize objects, and navigate through space.

  • Visual component of STM.
  • Temporary store for visual and spatial information.
• Baddeley and Hitch (1974)


  • Challenged the idea that STM is a single store.
  • Proposed that STM consists of multiple stores.
• Laboratory Observations


  • Dual-task Technique:
  • Performing two tasks simultaneously involving the same sensory modality (e.g., both listening) decreases performance.
  • Performing tasks involving different modalities (e.g., listening and vision) does not affect performance.
  • Implication:
  • Different stores for visual and auditory processing.
  • Working memory as a mental workspace for temporary information use.
• Can We Multi-task?


  • Multitasking is possible using different STM stores.
  • Problems arise when using the same STM store for multiple tasks.
• Central Executive

  • Attention control system, coordinates sub-systems.
  • Functions:
  • Focus, divide, and switch attention.
  • Limited capacity and modality-free.
  • Attention Control:

  1. Automatic Level:

  • Relies on schemas and routine actions (e.g., cycling).

  1. Supervisory Attention Level:

  • Involved in planning, decision-making, and emergency situations.
• Phonological Loop (Verbal STM)

  Deals with auditory information, such as spoken language, and is responsible for the temporary storage and rehearsal of verbal information

  • Divided into two components:

  1. Articulatory Control System (Inner Voice):

  • Holds information in verbal form.

  1. Phonological Store (Inner Ear):

  • Holds auditory memory traces.
  • Implications for verbal tasks (e.g., remembering phone numbers).