Working Memory Model

What is the working memory model (WMM)?

A more sophisticated version of STM suggesting it consists of different stores rather than one.

What is the function of the Central Executive in the WMM?

It allocates resources to other slave systems and deals with cognitive tasks.

What is the Visuospatial Sketchpad responsible for?

It processes and stores visual and spatial information.

What does the Phonological Loop deal with?

Spoken, written, auditory, and verbal information.

What is the Episodic Buffer?

It temporarily unites information from different stores in a sequence and links working memory to long-term memory.

What happens when two different slave systems are in use?

They usually do not compete for brain resources, allowing tasks to be performed simultaneously.

What happens if tasks become second nature to us?

Take up less of your concentration giving more resources freely to other slave systems

What happens if one task if much harder and needs more attention?

Give more of our resources to that task meaning others will suffer

(+) What is a positive evaluation point for the WMM?

It is supported by considerable experimental evidence.

(+) What have brain scans shown?

Different areas of the brain is active when carrying out different tasks

(+) What does it help us make sense of?

Multi-tasking in same situations and not in others

(-) What is a negative evaluation point regarding the Central Executive?

Its role is unclear.

(-) What is a criticism of the WMM regarding types of memory?

It only explains short-term memory, neglecting long-term memory.

(-) What is one limitation of the WMM concerning memory distortion?

It does not explain memory distortion or the role of emotion in memory formation.