Summary THE WORKING MEMORY MODEL

The working memory model
Key terms
Working memory model (WMM)- A representation of short-term memory
(STM). It suggests that STM is a dynamic processor of different types of
information using sub-units coordinated by a central decision-making
system.
Central executive (CE)- The component of the WMM that coordinates the
activities of the three subsystems in memory. It also allocates [processing
resources to those activities.
Phonological loop (PL)- The component of the WMM that processes
information in terms of sound. This includes both written and spoken
material. Its divided into the phonological store and the articulatory
process.
Visuo spatial sketchpad (VSS)-The component of the WMM that processes
visual and spatial information in a mental space, often called our inner
eye.
Episodic buffer (EB)- The component of the WMM that brings together
material from other subsystems into a single memory rather than
separate strands. It also provides a bridge between working memory and
long-term memory.



The working memory model (WMM)
Central executive
- An attentional process that monitors incoming data, makes
decisions and allocates slave systems to tasks.
- The CE has very limited processing capacity.
Phonological loop
- One of the slave systems is the PL.
- This deals with auditory information (i.e. coding is acoustic) and
preserves the order in which the information arrives.
- The PL is divided into: