The Working Memory Model - Central executive, Phonological loop, Visuo-spatial sketchpad, Episodic Buffer

Who proposed the Working Memory Model in 1974? (2)

Baddeley, Hitch

What is the function of the central executive? (2)

to direct attention to particular tasks, by determining which of the brain’s resources are allocated to which task

The central executive attends and monitors information, where is this information received from? (2)

senses, long-term memory

What does the central executive do to this information received from the senses or long-term memory? (3)

sends it to other sub-systems, for processing, or to temporarily store

As the central executive has no capacity for storing data, where is it stored?

episodic buffer

What is the function of the phonological loop?

stores 2 seconds worth of speech-based sounds

what 2 components make up the phonological loop?

phonological store, articulatory control process

What is the nickname for the phonological store?

the inner ear

What is the function of the phonological store?

allows 2 seconds of acoustically coded items to be stored

What is the nickname for the articulatory control process?

the inner voice

What is the function of the articulatory control process?

allows sub-vocal repetitions of items in the phonological store

What is the articulatory control process comparable to in the multi-store model of memory?

maintenance rehearsal

What is the nickname of the visuo-spatial sketchpad?

the inner eye

What is the function of the visuo-spatial sketchpad?

processes and stores mental images and spatial information

When would an individual use their visuo-spatial sketchpad? (2)

when they are planning a spatial task, like moving from one room to another

What capacity does the visuo-spatial sketchpad have?

limited capacity of 3-4 objects

When was the episodic buffer added to the working memory model?

2000

What is the function of the episodic buffer? (3)

a sub system, a general store that allows for sound and visual information to be bound together, offers a sense of time sequencing

How does the episodic buffer allow for visual and sound information to be bound together?

it integrates information from other systems

How many pieces of information can the episodic buffer hold for central executive?

4

How does the episodic buffer offer a sense of time sequencing? (2)

it records events happening, sends this information to the long-term memory