Working Memory Model revision tutorial

Summary

This tutorial focuses on Baddeley and Hitch's 1974 Working Memory Model, which challenges earlier theories by suggesting short-term memory is an active system with multiple components. The model includes the central executive, the phonological loop, and the visuospatial sketchpad, each with distinct functions in processing and storing information. The central executive allocates resources, while the phonological loop handles verbal information and the visuospatial sketchpad manages visual and spatial data. While supported by research, the model has limitations, such as limited understanding of the central executive and lack of inclusion of sensory and long-term memory. Despite its strengths, including real-world applicability and case studies, the model's lab-based research raises concerns about ecological validity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Working Memory Model (WMM) focuses on short-term memory, viewing it as an active system for holding and manipulating information.
• 😀 The WMM challenges the Multistore Model by Atkinson and Shiffrin, which saw memory as passive and unitary.
• 😀 The WMM consists of three main components: the Central Executive (CE), the Phonological Loop (PL), and the Visuospatial Sketchpad (VSS).
• 😀 The Central Executive (CE) is the 'boss' of the memory system, coordinating the components and allocating resources to slave systems.
• 😀 The Central Executive has a very limited capacity and is involved in cognitive tasks like problem solving.
• 😀 The Phonological Loop has two parts: the Articulatory Control Process (inner voice) and the Phonological Store (inner ear).
• 😀 The Phonological Loop helps prevent forgetting through subvocal rehearsal, where information is mentally repeated.
• 😀 Research by Baddeley on the word length effect supports the Phonological Loop by showing that short words are easier to recall than longer words.
• 😀 The Visuospatial Sketchpad (VSS) stores and manipulates visual and spatial information, such as visual details from pictures.
• 😀 Dual-task studies and evidence from Gather & Baddeley show that the Visuospatial Sketchpad can become overworked when handling simultaneous tasks that require spatial processing.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the working memory model by Baddeley and Hitch?

The primary focus of the working memory model is on short-term memory, emphasizing that memory is an active store where information can be held and manipulated.

How does the working memory model challenge the multistore model of memory by Atkinson and Shiffrin?

The working memory model challenges the multistore model by presenting short-term memory as an active system rather than a passive and unitary store, as suggested by Atkinson and Shiffrin.

What is the role of the central executive in the working memory model?

The central executive acts as the 'boss' of the memory system, coordinating the processes and allocating resources to the other two slave systems. It has limited capacity and is involved in cognitive and problem-solving tasks.

What are some of the strengths of the central executive in the working memory model?

A key strength of the central executive is its ability to direct information processing to the appropriate slave system, making it highly flexible in managing various tasks. However, very little is known about its exact functioning, which is a limitation.

How does the phonological loop work in the working memory model?

The phonological loop consists of two components: the articulatory control process (the inner voice, which uses subvocal rehearsal) and the phonological store (the inner ear, which holds sounds for a brief period).

What evidence supports the functioning of the phonological loop in the working memory model?

Baddeley's research on the word length effect supports the phonological loop. He found that participants could recall more short words than long words, indicating the capacity of the phonological loop is influenced by the time required to say the words.

What does the visuospatial sketchpad do in the working memory model?

The visuospatial sketchpad stores and manipulates visual images and spatial information, like an inner 'eye' used to recall images or directions.

What evidence supports the visuospatial sketchpad's role in memory processing?

Research by Gather and Baddeley demonstrated that participants struggled to complete two tasks involving the visuospatial sketchpad simultaneously, but they could easily perform one visual task and one verbal task. This supports the idea of separate memory systems for visual and verbal information.

What is a key strength of the working memory model in terms of real-world application?

One strength of the working memory model is its real-world applicability, particularly in education. It explains why students may struggle to process written and verbal information simultaneously, helping to inform teaching strategies.

What are some of the weaknesses of the working memory model?

Weaknesses of the working memory model include the lack of empirical research on the central executive, the omission of sensory memory and long-term memory, and the limited ecological validity of lab-based studies.