The working memory model

Question 1

Who developed the WMM and when?

Answer 1

Baddeley and Hitch (1974).

Question 2

What is the central executive’s role?

Answer 2

Central executive directs attention and allocates resources—limited capacity.

Question 3

What is the phonological loop and its two parts?

Answer 3

Phonological loop processes auditory info. (A) Phonological store = inner ear. (B)
Articulatory loop = inner voice.

Question 4

What is the visuo-spatial sketchpad?

Answer 4

VSS processes visual and spatial info.

Question 5

Who subdivided the VSS and what are the parts?

Answer 5

Logie (1995): (A) Visual cache. (B) Inner scribe.

Question 6

What is the episodic buffer and why was it added?

Answer 6

Episodic buffer = integrates info from other stores and LTM—added in 2000.

Question 7

AO3 - What evidence supports the model?

Answer 7

(A) Dual-task studies show VSS and PL can work separately.
(B) Brain imaging shows distinct areas for PL and VSS.
(C) KF had poor verbal STM but visual intact.

Question 8

AO3 - What are the strengths of WMM over MSM?

Answer 8

(A) Explains multitasking.
(B) Avoids unitary STM error of MSM.
(C) More detailed cognitive processing model.

Question 9

AO3 - What are limitations of the WMM?

Answer 9

(A) Central executive is vague and underexplained.
(B) Lack of strong
neurobiological evidence.
(C) May be more than one ‘executive’ process.