Working Memory Basics
What system temporarily holds and manipulates information?
Working memory
Who proposed the working memory model in 1974?
Baddeley and Hitch
When old information interferes with new learning
Proactive interference
Which component acts like the “boss” that directs attention?
Central executive
True or False: Working memory has unlimited capacity
False
When new information interferes with old memories
Retroactive interference
Which part handles visual and spatial information?
Visuospatial sketchpad
Which component integrates information from different sources?
Episodic buffer
Forgetting a new password because you remember the old one
Proactive interference
Which system processes spoken and written words?
Phonological loop
Why can multitasking reduce performance?
Working memory capacity is limited
Forgetting last semester’s material after learning new content
Retroactive interference
Why is working memory often compared to a workbench?
Because it actively manipulates information rather than just storing it
Which component connects working memory to long-term memory?
Episodic buffer
Why does interference increase during exams?
Too much similar information competes in memory