Specification
- The working memory model (Baddeley and Hitch, 1974) including the phonological loop, central executive, visualspatial sketchpad, episodic buffer.
Baddeley and Hitch (1974) proposed the working memory model, which is a theory of the short-term memory system that is responsible for temporarily holding information in the mind for processing. This model consists of the following components:
- Central Executive: This is the main control system that coordinates and regulates the operation of other components of working memory. It allocates attention, manipulates information and decides what information should be stored in the short-term memory.
- Visuospatial Sketchpad: This component is responsible for the storage and manipulation of visual and spatial information. It temporarily holds visual images, such as faces and shapes, as well as spatial information, such as location and direction.
- Phonological Loop: This component is responsible for the storage and manipulation of verbal information, such as speech and language. It consists of two sub-components: the phonological store and the articulatory control process.
- Episodic Buffer: This is a recent addition to the model, which serves as a temporary storage site for a variety of information, including visual, auditory, and verbal information. It integrates information from the other components of working memory, as well as long-term memory, to form a coherent representation of events or situations.
Past Paper Questions
- Justify, using working memory model, the conclusion that Philippa made. (1) October 2018
2 Markers
- Describe ‘central executive’. January 2019
- Identify one feature of Baddeley and Hitch’s (1974) working memory model. June 2016
- Describe what is meant by the term ‘central executive’ as used by Baddeley and Hitch (1974). (2) January 2019
4 Markers
- Explain, using your knowledge of the working memory model, why it could be difficult to listen to a teacher speaking and write study notes at the same time. (4) June 2016
- Explain one strength and one weakness of the working memory model. (4) June 2016
- Explain two weaknesses of Baddeley and Hitch’s (1974) working memory model. (4) January 2019
- Explain two strengths of the working memory model. (4) October 2017
- Explain two strengths of the working memory model. (4) October 2019
8 Markers
- Evaluate the working memory model as an explanation of memory. (8) October 2016
- Assess whether Baddeley and Hitch’s (1974) working memory model is a complete explanation of memory. (8) January 2018
12 Marker
- To what extent can the working memory model (Baddeley and Hitch, 1974) be considered a credible explanation of memory? (12) January 2020
- Evaluate how well the working memory model can account for the patients’ performance in the recall tasks. (12) June 2019