working memory model

• purpose


  • used to critisise the multi-store model as STM was too simplified
• elements: central executive


  • coordinates & monitors the actions of other slave components
  • modality free; process information from any sense
  • used when problem solving
• elements: visuo-spatial sketchpad

  • visual information & inner eye

  inner scribe

  • visual rehearsal mechanism
  • deals with locations and movement

  
  

  inner cache

  • deals with objects and features e.g., colour and shape
• elements: phonological loop


  • auditory information e.g., speech and written/spoken material

  phonological store; inner ear

  • for short sequences of words/digits
  • held until they fade

  ACS articulatory control system; inner voice

  • loops acoustically coded items
  • time based capacity of 1.5-2s
• elements: episodic buffer


  • allows sub-systems to interact which permits multi-tasking
  • intermediary between sub-systems