Cognitive - The Working Model

Baddeley and Hitch (1974) Working Memory Model

This model is all about the short-term memory.

Key points:

• A number of different stores.

• 2 visual tasks simultaneously = hard. 

• 1 visual and 1 auditory task simultaneously = easy. 

There is 1 'Boss' and 3 'Slaves. 

'Boss' - Central Executive

• Has overall control.
• Starts rehearsal.
• Switches attention.
• Retrieves information from LTM.

'Slave 1' - The Phonological Loop  -> Further divided into... 

1) The Phonological Store:
     • 'Inner ear'.
     • Limited capacity.
     • Holds verbal information in a speech based form.

AND

2) The Articulatory Process:
     • 'Inner voice'.
     • Used for words heard or seen.
     • Subvocal repetition.

'Slave 2' - The Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad -> Also your 'inner eye' 

- Has a limited capacity.
- Temporary storage system.
- Holds visual and/or spatial information.
- Used when planning a spatial task.

-> Further separated into...

1) The Visual Cache - a passive visual store

AND

2) The Inner-Scribe  - A rehearsal mechanism.

'Slave 3' - The Episodic Buffer

- A store for tasks that require visual and auditory elements.
- Extra storage system - integrates information from everywhere.

Evaluation

+ Explains ability to carry out tasks like arithmetic by storing briefly while processing information.

+ Is influential and still being developed and expanded. 

+ More plausible than MSM because it explains STM.

+ Must be at least two store systems in STM according to KF.

+ Physiological evidence in brain scans.

+ Attempts to explain how memory functions. 

+ Doesn't over-emphasise rehearsal but acknowledges it as an option for transferring data. 

- WM only talks about STM and is not a comprehensive model of memory. 

- Not much is known about the role of the central executive. 

- WM doesn't explain changes in processing ability that occurs as a result of practice or time.