Cognitive processing (Models of memory --> Working memory model)

Robbins et al

Working memory model

The central claim of the WMM is that our working memory is directed by the central executive, as this controls the slave systems.

• The WMM consists of the central executive that controls the slave systems: the phonological loop, the visuospatial sketchpad and the episodic buffer.

Robbins et al (AIMS)

To investigate the effect of blocking the visuospatial sketchpad, the phonological loop and the central executive on working memory.

Robbins et al (PROCEDURE)

• 20 male chess players (from Cambridge) with 2 conditions

• The participants had to remember the positions of chess pieces (using the visuospatial sketchpad) while doing a secondary task; either repeating the word ‘the’ (condition 1) OR typing random numbers using the visuospatial sketchpad (condition 2)

Robbins et al (RESULTS)

The participants with the phonological loop interreference performed better they were able to recall the arrangements about 65% of the time, WHILE the visuospatial sketchpad condition had around 15% accuracy.

Robbins et al (CONCLUSION)

In conclusion the visuospatial sketchpad is a separate system from the phonological loop (as the performance declined only when both tasks used the same ‘slave system’ of the working memory.

—> The study supports the WMM by demonstrating that interference occurs (mainly) when the two tasks use the same subsystem, confirmed that the working memory is composed of separate components.

Robbins et al (STRENGTHS)

• True experiment design (controlled variables, establishing a cause-and-effect relationship)

• Provides strong support for the WMM by showing the distinct roles between the phonological loop and the visuospatial sketchpad

Robbins et al (LIMITATIONS)

• Low ecological validity (do not transfer into real-life scenarios, repeating the word ‘the’ while playing chess doesn’t rlly happen…)

• Sample bias (all male chess players)