1 Memory: working memory model

Question 1

What is the working memory model?

Answer 1

Working Memory Modelis a cognitive model that describes short term memory.

Question 2

What are the core components? WMM

Answer 2

• Central Executive (CE)
• Phonological loop
• Visuospacial sketchpad

Question 3

What does the CE do? WMM

Answer 3

• Basically controls it all (its the executive)

Question 4

What doe the PL do? WMM

Answer 4

• Deals with auditory info (its Phono…)

Question 5

What does the VS do? WMM

Answer 5

• Deals with visual and spacial info (its visuo and spacial…)

Question 6

What was later added to the working memory model? WMM

Answer 6

• Episodic buffer

Question 7

What does the EB do? WMM

Answer 7

• Basically links all the components together.

Question 8

What does the working memory model explain we can do? WMM

Answer 8

• Multi-task performance (e.g. visual and audio)
• Maintenance rehearsal.

Question 9

What is a strength of the working memory model? (hint - doing multiple tasks same as doing one)

Answer 9

Baddeley et al (1975) proved that multi-task performance is the same as performing the tasks separately.
- This proves that they are separate systems.

Question 10

What is a weakness of the working memory model? (hint - CE explanation sucks)

Answer 10

The CE does not explain very much. It is claimed to be the most important part, but it is the least understood.
- This means that the working memory model needs further development.

Question 11

What is an application of the working memory model? (hint - KF had poor stm for sound not visual)

Answer 11

Patient ‘KF’ bad amnesia after a brain injury and he had a poor STM for sound (phonological loop), but his visual memory was normal (visuospacial sketchpad).

• The working memory model helps explain the ‘KF’ situation (i.e. his phonological loop was impaired).