CiCC - Memory - Working Memory

Working Memory

Refers to the system necessary for keeping things in mind while performing complex tasks such as comprehension, thinking, and learning.

Atkinson and Shifrin modal model of memory

A model consisting of multiple memory stores. It includes the Sensory Register, Short-Term Memory and Long-Term Memory

Issues with Modal Model of Memory

• Only one short-term memory store, which raises questions about multitasking abilities.

• Individuals have the ability to comprehend and problem solve even with damage to short-term memory.

Baddeley's working memory model

A model that includes the central executive, which controls independent buffers: visuospatial sketchpad, phonological loop, episodic buffer and LTM.

Phonological Loop

Stores auditory information and has a capacity of 6-7 items (or amount said in 1.5s) - as words are remembered through sub-vocal repetition.

Visuospatial Sketchpad

Stores visual information and acts as the "mind's eye" for visually guided actions. It has a capacity of 6-7 items.

Episodic Buffer

Limited capacity system that integrates information from different sources and holds “episodes” of information (plays a role in episodic LTM)

Issues with the Working Memory Model

• People can repeat back meaningful sentences better than unrelated words (e.g actors)

• model does not account for normal immediate prose recall in amnesic patients. (but impaired recall after delay)

Evidence of reactivation of episodic information

Episodic information activates widespread regions of the brain. Patterns are event-specific (reactivated when event is retrieved)

Hierarchal Process View

Hasson et al (2015) - Newer perspective suggesting ongoing information processing requires us to accumulate information over time, occurring over different timescales and brain pathways (circuits)

Evidence for Hierarchal Process Model

Lerner et al - scanned people listening to sentences coherent at either: word (short timescale), sentence (medium timescale), paragraph (long timescale) level. Found specific brain regions had increased activity for ALL participants. (suggesting one large part of information is processed before the next)

Why is it unlikely there is only one Working Memory Model?

Due to the complexity of working memory, being such a large concept.