WMM model

What is the Working Memory Model (WMM)?

A model of short-term memory proposed by Baddeley & Hitch (1974), suggesting that STM is a multi-component system used for temporary processing of information.

How does WMM improve on the Multi-Store Model?

Unlike the MSM's unitary STM store, WMM proposes multiple components with specialized functions for processing different types of information.

what are the main components of WMM

1. central executive

2. visuospatial sketchpad

3. phonological loop

4. episodic buffer

What is the role of the Central Executive?

Controls attention, monitors other components, switches and divides attention, and is modality-free. It has limited capacity.

What are the two levels of attention in the Central Executive?

• Automatic level: Routine actions based on schemas

• Supervisory attention: Decision-making, planning, self-regulation in novel or emergency situations

What does the Phonological Loop do?

Processes verbal/auditory info. It includes:

• Articulatory control system (inner voice)

• Phonological store (inner ear)

What research supports the Phonological Loop?

Landry & Bartling (2011): Articulatory suppression reduced recall of letter strings, supporting that the phonological loop is a limited-capacity system.

What is the Visuospatial Sketchpad?

Visual/spatial component of STM that stores and manipulates visual info — like navigating or visualizing objects.

What is the Episodic Buffer?

Integrates visual, verbal, and long-term memory into a coherent episode. It acts as a temporary store with limited capacity and supports conscious awareness.

→ proposed later in 2000

Which case study supports the WMM?

Warrington & Shallice (1970) – Patient KF had impaired verbal STM but intact visual STM, supporting multiple STM systems.

What experimental method supports the WMM structure?

Dual-task techniques: When tasks involve the same modality, performance drops — evidence of separate STM components.

Strengths of the WMM?

1. Supported by lab and case studies
   → Shows real evidence from experiments and brain-damaged patients that STM has separate systems.

2. Explains multitasking
   → Helps explain why people can do two tasks at once if they use different systems (e.g., visual + verbal).

3. Backed by brain imaging
   → Neuroimaging(fMRI) supports that different brain areas are active for visual vs. verbal tasks.

4. More detailed than MSM
   → Breaks down STM into parts, making it better at explaining how memory works in complex tasks.

Limitations of the WMM ?

• Central Executive poorly defined
  → We don’t really know how it works or how to test it, which weakens the model.

• Doesn’t explain LTM processes
  → Focuses only on STM and ignores how info is stored in or retrieved from LTM.

• Limited explanation of memory distortion/emotion
  → Doesn’t show how emotion affects memory or why distortions happen.

• Episodic Buffer not well understood
  → It was added later and isn’t fully explained in terms of how it works or interacts with other systems.

Why is Landry & Bartling relevant for WMM ERQ?

Demonstrates the phonological loop’s limits through articulatory suppression, supporting WMM's structure and predictive validity.

What does the KF case tell us about STM?

STM is not unitary — his deficit was modality-specific (verbal only), supporting WMM's multiple systems.

What was the aim of Landry & Bartling (2011)?

To test if articulatory suppression affects recall of dissimilar letters.

What is articulatory suppression?

Repeating a simple sound (e.g. "1, 2") to block verbal rehearsal. - every 2 sec

What memory system does articulatory suppression interfere with?

The phonological loop of working memory.

What type of design did the study use?

Independent groups design: control vs experiment

Who were the participants in Landry & Bartling (2011)?

undergraduate psychology students

What task did the experimental group perform?

Memorized letter lists while repeating "1, 2" (articulatory suppression).

What task did the control group perform?

Memorized the same letter lists without any interference.

Why were phonologically dissimilar letters used?

to reduce confusion from similar-sounding letters.

What were the results of the study?

Control group had 76% accuracy; experimental group had 45%.

What did the results show?

Articulatory suppression reduced memory accuracy — supporting WMM.

How does this study support the Working Memory Model?

It shows separate processing systems and the role of verbal rehearsal.

→ probing STM does not have one store but multiple like visuospatial sketchpad and phonological loop

What’s one ecological criticism of the task?

Recalling random letters isn't common in real life — low ecological validity.