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The concept of working memory, as a theory explaining the intricacies of short-term memory, represents a significant advancement beyond the earlier Multi-Store Model (MSM). In 1974, Baddeley and Hitch recognized that short-term memory is not merely a single store, but rather a complex system of different stores, leading to the development of the Working Memory Model (WMM). This model comprises three distinct components: the central executive, the phonological loop, and the visuo-spatial sketchpad. The term 'working memory' is used to describe the part of our memory system engaged when we tackle complex tasks that require the continual storage of information as we work through them.
At the heart of the Working Memory Model lies the central executive, a pivotal component responsible for allocating attention to specific tasks and determining how the two other subsystems—the phonological loop and the visuo-spatial sketchpad—should be employed for different tasks.
The central executive has a remarkably limited capacity, restricting its ability to manage numerous tasks simultaneously.
The phonological loop, another critical component of working memory, is characterized by its limited capacity.
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It specializes in the preservation of auditory information and the maintenance of the order in which this information is presented. In 1986, Baddeley further divided the phonological loop into two distinct components: the phonological store and the articulatory process. The phonological store functions like an inner ear, storing heard words, while the articulatory processor functions as an inner voice, silently repeating heard or seen words—a form of maintenance rehearsal.
The visuo-spatial sketchpad comes into play when we need to plan spatial tasks, involving the determination of visual relationships between objects.
This subsystem temporarily stores both visual and spatial data, providing us with the ability to manipulate and process this information as needed. Visual information pertains to the appearance of objects, while spatial information deals with the relationships between them.
The Working Memory Model, although robust, remains a subject of ongoing research, offering opportunities for further development and a deeper understanding of short-term memory. The model's ability to generate empirically testable predictions enhances its reliability. For example, Baddeley et al. (1975) demonstrated the word length effect, showing that people recall shorter words more effectively than longer words. This phenomenon suggests that the phonological loop's capacity is limited to approximately two seconds of information, debunking George Miller's earlier claim of the 7±2 immediate memory span as an oversimplification. While Baddeley's study lacks mundane realism, as individuals do not typically memorize random lists of words with the same syllable count in their daily lives, it maintains the advantages of experimental control and the establishment of cause-and-effect relationships.
Further support for the Working Memory Model can be found in the research conducted by Shallice and Warrington (1970), who examined KF, a subject with a short-term memory that functioned independently of his long-term memory. KF could efficiently process visual information and meaningful sounds but struggled with verbal material. This evidence aligns with the WMM's claim that KF's phonological loop was affected, corroborating the model's validity.
LH, studied by Farah et al. (1988), displayed a proficiency in spatial tasks over visual imagery tasks, reinforcing the idea of distinct visual and spatial systems within the Working Memory Model. The use of brain scans by Bunge et al. (2000) revealed increased brain activity when participants simultaneously performed tasks, demonstrating the involvement of the central executive in multitasking.
Baddeley's (1982) research illustrated that processing sounds activates two separate brain areas, supporting the existence of distinct components within the phonological system of the WMM. Additionally, Hitch and Baddeley (1976) demonstrated that when participants engaged in two short-term memory tasks utilizing the same subsystem (e.g., both phonological), their performance deteriorated. In contrast, combining tasks that utilized different subsystems (e.g., visual and phonological tasks) did not affect performance, indicating the presence of separate modalities within the Working Memory Model. This research, conducted as a controlled lab experiment, offers a high degree of accuracy and reproducibility.
However, the Working Memory Model is not without its critics. One common critique is that the central executive is too vaguely defined, as it seems to allocate resources and is essentially synonymous with attention, lacking a detailed scientific explanation. Critics have suggested that the central executive might consist of not just one but possibly several components. For instance, Eslinger and Damasio (1985) studied EVR, a patient who had undergone brain surgery to remove a tumor. EVR performed well on reasoning tests, indicating an intact central executive. However, he exhibited poor decision-making skills, implying that his central executive may not be a singular, cohesive entity. This complexity suggests that the central executive may require a more nuanced description than currently proposed.
The Working Memory Model offers a more comprehensive and nuanced explanation compared to the Multi-Store Model, which posited that information flowed through several distinct stores. The WMM introduces multiple components within short-term memory, rather than a singular store. Moreover, it acknowledges that verbal rehearsal is just one of the ways information can be maintained in immediate memory, rather than the sole method. Additionally, the WMM emphasizes processes over structure, providing a framework to understand various cognitive tasks, such as verbal reasoning, problem solving, and comprehension.
The Working Memory Model, with its central executive, phonological loop, and visuo-spatial sketchpad, offers a more intricate and comprehensive explanation of short-term memory than previous models. While it has faced criticism, ongoing research continues to validate its components and their functions. This model has proven valuable in explaining various cognitive processes and has opened up new avenues for understanding the intricacies of our memory system. Future research will likely continue to refine and expand our comprehension of working memory, shedding light on this vital aspect of human cognition.
The Working Memory Model: An In-Depth Exploration. (2017, Jan 10). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/outline-and-evaluate-the-working-memory-model-essay
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