This working-memory component controls attention rather than storing information.
What is the central executive?
This lobe of the brain is most strongly linked to the central executive.
What is the frontal lobe?
This subsystem handles verbal and auditory information.
What is the phonological loop?
Listening to a lecture while ignoring background noise uses this central-executive skill.
What is selective attention?
People with this disorder often have difficulty with central-executive control.
What is ADHD?
Baddeley described working memory as a “workbench” because it is this type of system.
What is a flexible, active system for many tasks?
Neuroscience research often connects the central executive to this network.
What is the executive attention network?
This subsystem is responsible for visual images and spatial layouts.
What is the visuospatial sketchpad?
Switching between taking notes and listening requires this executive function.
What is task switching?
Research shows individuals with this condition often show reduced working-memory performance.
What is major depression
This feature makes the central executive different from the phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad.
➡️ Answer: What is attention control?
Damage to this brain area often leads to poor planning and task switching.
What is the prefrontal cortex?
This component integrates information and links working memory to long-term memory.
What is the episodic buffer?
Deciding what information is important enough to remember relies on this process.
What is inhibitory control?
Difficulty ignoring irrelevant information is a sign of weakness in this component.
What is the central executive?