WORKING MEMORY

MODEL
Working Memory Model
◦ Working memory is short-term memory
◦ working memory is extensively involved in goal-directed behaviors in which information must
be retained and manipulated to ensure successful task execution.
◦ the concept of working memory was described by the multicomponent working memory model
proposed by Baddeley and Hitch.
◦ Working memory serves not only to hold information but also to process that
information.
◦ Working memory holds only the most recently activated, or conscious, portion of long-
term memory, and it moves these activated elements into and out of brief temporary
memory storage.
 C0MPONENTS OF
WORKING MEMORY
VISUOSPATIAL SKETCHPAD
◦ Stores and processes information in a visual or spatial form. The VSS is used for navigation.
◦ Briefly holds some visual images, as when you picture the way your best friend looks or
when you work on a puzzle.
PHONOLOGICAL LOOP
◦ Part of working memory that deals with spoken and written material.
◦ It can be used to remember a phone number.
◦ Stores mainly verbal information for verbal comprehension and for acoustic rehearsal.
CENTRAL EXECUTIVE
◦ Allocates attention within working memory.
◦ It is responsible for monitoring and coordinating the operation of the slave systems (i.e., visuospatial
sketchpad and phonological loop) and relates them to long term memory.
◦ Responsible for focusing and dividing attention.
EPISODIC BUFFER
◦ The episodic buffer acts as a 'backup' store which communicates with both long-term memory and the
components of working memory.
◦ This buffer allows us to solve problems and reevaluate previous experiences with more recent
knowledge.