The Working Memory Model

The Working Memory Model- Baddeley and Hitch 1974 (explains the STM)

• criticises the multi-store model because it is far too simple
• believe there are several STM stores, not just 1
• working memory is not a unitary store 

Central Executive:

• control centre of the slave systems- it is the most important 
• decides how information is processed and problem solving- priorities etc 
• selectively attends to some stimuli and ignores others
• only has minimal storage and capacity

Phonological Loop: x 2 components

• Phonological Store --> inner ear- holds information in speech-based form, converts written words into an articulatory form before they can enter 
• Articulatory Control --> inner voice, rehearses information from the phonological store e.g. phone numbers, converts written material into an articulatory code and transfers it to the phonological store 

Visuo-Spatial Sketch Pad:

• inner eye
• visual and spatial information e.g. shape, colour, size etc.
• keep track of where we are in relation to other objects as we move
• not so well understood- unitary store or 2 operations?

Description of Working Memory A01: (6 marks)

• The theory was devised after the MSM as they believe the STM is not a unitary storage system but contains multiple components. The STM is an active storage system…