Working Memory Model Flashcards

Flashcards covering the key concepts of the Working Memory Model as explained in the lecture notes.

What are the learning objectives for the Working Memory Model?

To describe the features of the Working Memory Model (AO1), to explain how the Working Memory Model functions in real life scenarios (AO2), and to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the Working Memory Model (AO3).

According to the Multi-Store Model of Memory, what are the two key processes for transferring information?

Attention, rehearsal

What are the three stores of memory according to the multistore model of memory?

Sensory, Short-Term, Long-Term

What are the primary reasons for forgetting in the multi-store model of memory?

Decay, displacement, retrieval failure, or interference

What is the main limitation of the Multi Store Model regarding its complexity?

It assumes a single unitary store, whereas evidence suggests separate components for visual and verbal information.

Who proposed the Multi Store Model?

Atkinson & Shiffrin

Who proposed the Working Memory Model?

Baddeley & Hitch

What are the components of the Working Memory Model?

Visuospatial sketchpad, central executive, episodic buffer, and phonological loop

What is the primary function of working memory?

Temporarily holding and manipulating information to complete a task.

What executive functions rely on working memory?

Concentrating, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Which component of the Working Memory Model acts as the attention control system?

Central Executive

Which component of the WMM is responsible for verbal rehearsal?

Phonological Loop

Which component of the WMM is responsible for spatial and visual information storage?

Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad

Which component, added in 2000, integrates visual, spatial, and verbal information in the WMM?

Episodic Buffer

According to Baddeley and Hitch, is short-term memory a single passive store?

Short term memory is not one single passive store, but several active stores that all play different roles

What is the function of the Central Executive?

Controller of the model. It determines which information is and is not attended to. It directs information to other ‘slave systems’

What is the function of the phonological loop?

Acoustic store that deals with auditory information and the order in which we hear information.

What is the function of the Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad?

Temporary store for visual and spatial items and the relationships between them.

What is the function of the Episodic Buffer?

Temporary store for information, integrating visual, spatial and verbal information and links STM to LTM.

How did Baddeley & Hitch (1974) demonstrate the existence of the visuo-spatial sketchpad?

Using dual-task research to demonstrate the existence of the visuo-spatial sketchpad.

How does the case study of patient KF provide supporting evidence for the WMM?

Patient KF had problems with verbal information but not visual information in STM, suggesting separate components.

What is a credibility weakness of using case studies to support the Working Memory Model?

There are problems with using case studies of individuals with brain injuries because each case study is unique.

Why is oversimplification a weakness of the Working Memory Model?

WMM does not explain the workings and complexity of the LTM.

What is a major weakness of the WMM regarding the central executive?

Central executive cannot be measured directly and its function has to be inferred from performance at verbal and visual tasks.

What are some applications of the Working Memory Model?

Explains multi-tasking, learning difficulties, and helps to understand amnesia.

In the activity, what were participants instructed to do in phase one?

Moving your index finger in the air while the other person follows with their eyes.