working memory model ao3

• Working Memory Model


  A model of how short-term memory processes information, with a central executive that controls 'slave systems' like the phonological loop and visuo-spatial sketchpad
• Outline the working memory model

  1. Central executive has a supervisory function and controls the slave systems

  2. Central executive has limited capacity but can process information from any sensory modality

  3. Phonological loop is a limited capacity, temporary storage system for holding verbal information in a speech-based form

  4. Visuo-spatial sketchpad is a limited capacity, temporary memory system for holding visual and spatial information
• Strengths of the Working Memory Model

  • Accounts for dual task performance
  • Supported by evidence from brain-damaged patients
• Limitations of the Working Memory Model

  • Central executive is vaguely defined and may have sub-components
  • Evidence from brain-damaged patients has problems (brain injuries may cause memory changes for reasons other than the injury itself)
• Performing two tasks simultaneously

  Increases demand for attention and brain activity compared to performing a single task
• Dual task performance


  The main reason for developing the Working Memory Model was to account for people's ability to perform two tasks at once, which the Multi-Store Model did not recognize
• Evidence from brain-damaged patients

  • Patient KF had greater memory problems for auditory/verbal information than visual, suggesting damage to the phonological loop
  • Patient S.C. could not learn word pairs presented out loud, supporting the idea of separate sub-stores
• Working Memory Model vs Multi-Store Model

  Similarities: Both are theoretical models, both suggest STM and LTM are separate, both use brain injury evidence

  Differences: WMM is a detailed model of how STM processes information, MSM does not recognize sub-components of STM