The Working Memory Model

Can I outline the working memory model of STM?

Glossary:Central executivePhonological loopVisuo-spatial sketchpadPhonological storeArticulatory loopVisual cacheInner scribe

Key Facts Checklist• It explains how STM works• STM = several different components• Each component has a particular function (manipulation and analysis of

data); not just storage• Central executive is the key components that overseas and coordinates the

other systems (slave systems)• There is a two way flow between of information between the central

executive and the slave systems• Slave systems have separate responsibilities and work independently of

one another• The phonological loop is subdivided into the phonological store (inner ear)

and the articulatory loop (inner voice). It has limited capacity, and holds auditory information in a speech based form

• The visuo-sketchpad (inner eye) is subdivided into the visual cache and the inner scribe. It has limited capacity and holds spatial and visual information.

• It has been modified over time to take account of new research findings

Continued…

• The episodic buffer is a general store where information from both the phonological loop and visuo-spatial sketchpad as well as the LTM is temporarily stored and integrated. It has limited capacity.

Research to support the working memory model

• Hitch and Baddeley (1976) Participants had TWO tasks:1. Occupied the central executive (BA/True or

False)2. Occupied the articulatory loop AND/OR both

the central executive and the articulatory loop. (saying random digits)

= Speed for task 1 slower when given ‘multi-task

Revision

• Identify six key words/phrases to sum up the working memory model• Identify/outline THREE pieces of evidence to

support the working memory model

Dual task performance

Hitch and Baddeley (1976)Two STM tasks using the same modality (i.e. both phonological) slowed performanceTwo STM tasks using different modalities(i.e. visual and phonological) did not affect each other= WM must have separate modalities