Working Memory Model

Introduction

• Developed by Baddeley and Hitch (1974).
• Focuses on short-term memory (STM) operations.
• Critiques Atkinson and Shiffrin's Multi-Store Model for over-simplifying STM.

Components of the Working Memory Model

• Central Executive: Manages attention and information from two subordinate systems.
• Articulatory-Phonological Loop: Retains language-based information temporarily.
  • Articulatory Rehearsal Process: Converts visually presented language to phonological state.
  • Phonological Store: Holds auditory speech information.
• Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad: Retains visual and spatial information temporarily.

Additional Component

• Episodic Buffer: Connects the central executive to long-term memory.

Research and Evidence

• Derived from dual-task techniques showing:
  • Same Store Utilization: If tasks use the same store, performance declines due to limited capacity.
  • Different Stores Utilization: Tasks using different stores can be performed simultaneously without performance drop.
• Case Study: Shallice and Warrington (1974)
  • Patient KF could recall verbal but not visual information.

Strengths of the Working Memory Model

• Explains parallel processing better than Multi-Store Model.
• Empirical support from controlled laboratory experiments.

Criticisms of the Working Memory Model

• Considered too simplistic and vague in areas such as the central executive's role.
• Laboratory findings might lack ecological validity (may not perfectly translate to real-world scenarios).

Conclusion

• The Working Memory Model offers a detailed framework for understanding short-term memory processes, highlighting the complexity beyond a single storage system.
• Despite criticisms, it remains a significant contribution to cognitive psychology.

Note: This model is primarily studied at AS, A-Level and relevant for various psychology examination boards including AQA, Edexcel, OCR, and IB.