working memory model

what is the working memory model

baddeley & hitch 1947, representation of stm, suggests stm is dynamic processor of different types of info using subunits coordinated by a central decision making system

central executive

supervisory role, monitors incoming data, focusses and divides our limited attention, allocates subsystems to tasks, limited processing capacity, does not store information

phonological loop (subsystem)

deals with auditory information and preserves order in which it arrives, subdivided into phonological store (stores heard words) and articulatory process (allows maintenance rehearsal)

visuo-spatial sketchpad (subsystem)

stores visual and spatial information when required, limited capacity of about 4 objects (Baddeley), 2 subsections visual cache (holds visual data) and inner scribe (records arrangements of objects in visual field (Logie)

episodic buffer (subsystem)

temp store for info integrating visual, spatial and verbal info processed by other stores and maintaining time sequencing, storage component of central executive with limited capacity of 4 chunks, links working memory to LTM and wider cognitive processes such as perception

strengths of theory

clinical evidence from KF case study - provides evidence for existence of separate visual and acoustic memory stores, carried out in highly controlled lab conditions which eliminates extraneous variables

dual task performance studies (supporting evidence)

when Baddeleys ppts carried out visual and verbal task at the same time, performance similar to when carried out tasks separately, when both tasks visual/verbal, performance declined because both competing for same VSS

limitations of theory

unclear whether KF had other cognitive impairments so confounding variabel, lack of clarity over nature of central executive, needs to be more clearly specified rather than just attention so partial explanation, high control threatens ext validity, tasks lack mundane realism