Working memory model

Working memory is STM. Instead of all information going into one single store, there are different systems for different types of information.  Working memory consists of a central executive which controls and co-ordinates the operation of two subsystems: the phonological loop and the visuo-spatial sketchpad.

Central Executive: Drives the whole system (e.g. the boss of working memory) and allocates data to the subsystems (VSS & PL). It also deals with cognitive tasks such as mental arithmetic and problem solving.

Visuo-Spatial Sketch Pad (inner eye): Stores and processes information in a visual or spatial form. The VSS is used for navigation.

The phonological loop is the part of working memory that deals with spoken and written material. It can be used to remember a phone number. It consists of two parts

o Phonological Store (inner ear) – Linked to speech perception Holds information in speech-based form (i.e. spoken words) for 1-2 seconds.o Articulatory control process (inner voice) – Linked to speech production. Used to rehearse and store verbal information from the phonological store.

The working memory model explains a lot more than the multistore model. It makes sense of a range of tasks – verbal reasoning, comprehension, reading, problem solving and visual and spatial processing. And the model is supported by considerable experimental evidence.

The working memory applies to real life tasks:

– reading (phonological loop)

– problem solving (central executive)

– navigation (visual and spatial processing)

The KF Case Study supports the Working Memory Model. KF suffered brain damage from a motorcycle accident that damaged his short-term memory. KF’s impairment was mainly for verbal information – his memory for visual information was largely unaffected. This shows that there are separate STM components for visual information (VSS) and verbal information (phonological loop). Working memory is supported by the baddeley and hitch research in 1976.

The working memory model does not over emphasize the importance of rehearsal for STM retention, in contrast to the multi-store model.

Weaknesses

• There is little direct evidence for how the central executive works and what it does. The capacity of the central executive has never been measured.
• Working memory only involves STM so it is not a comprehensive model of memory (as it does not include SM or LTM).
• The working memory model does not explain changes in processing ability that occur as the result of practice or time.

Strengths

This working memory model seems perfectly realistic because it ties in with  the manipulation of information when problems are encountered and solved. It  seems more plausible than the Atkinson-Shiffrin model which claims STM is a  static store. Baddeley and Hitch’s model shows STM to be a dynamic process. In a  1997 piece, Baddeley stated that mentally counting the windows on a house is an  example of the working memory model in action.

This process begins with a visualization of every window which corresponds  with the Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad of the model. The counting of each window  brings the Phonological Loop into play while the Central Executive coordinates  all of this activity.