The Working Memory Model

Working Memory Model (WMM)

Central Executive

  • Replaces the "sensory buffer"

  • Directs attention to tasks

  • Allocates information based on modality

Phonological Loop

  • Limited capacity, similar to MSM's STM store

  • Deals with auditory information and language

  • Subdivided by Baddeley (1986):

    • Phonological Store: Holds words seen/heard

    • Articulatory Process: Silently repeats words (inner voice)

Visuo-spatial Sketchpad

  • Limited capacity visual and/or spatial information storage

  • Consists of:

    • Visual Cache: Stores appearance, form, color

    • Inner Scribe: Processes spatial and movement information

Episodic Buffer

  • Links information across domains (visual, spatial, verbal)

  • Integrates units with time sequencing (e.g., memories of stories or events)

Evidence Supporting the WMM

  • Dual Task Techniques: Participants show few errors on tasks, though speed slightly slower

Evidence Supporting Phonological Loop

Study by Landry and Bartling (2011)

  • Example of articulatory suppression

  • Controls recalled 76% of lists accurate; suppression condition only 45% accurate

Word Length Effect

  • Holds information that can be articulated in 1-2 seconds

  • Longer words (e.g., "representative") harder to remember than shorter ones (e.g., "dog")

Evidence Supporting Visuospatial Sketchpad

  • PET Scan Studies: Separate systems for spatial and visual processes

  • More brain activity in left hemisphere for visual tasks, right for spatial tasks

  • Visual memory in occipital lobe; spatial memory in hippocampus

Strengths of WMM

  • Supported by considerable experimental evidence

  • Brain scans show different brain areas active for verbal vs. visual tasks

  • Case studies of brain damage support existence of multiple STM stores

  • Explains multitasking capabilities in specific situations

Limitations of WMM

  • Unclear role of the central executive

  • Ambiguity in interaction between components

  • Primarily focused on short-term memory; little insight into long-term processes

  • Does not explain memory distortion or emotional influences on memory formation

Comparison with Multi-Store Model (MSM)

Similarities

  • Both argue rehearsal necessary for transfer from STM to LTM

  • Both suggest limits in STM capacity and duration

Differences

  • WMM has multiple stores for STM; MSM proposes a single store

  • WMM explains how individuals multitask, focusing on different modalities (visual/spatial vs. auditory)

  • Neither model adequately explains memory distortions or emotion's role in memory.