Memory Models
Who proposed the multicomponent model of working memory?
Alan Baddeley
What does the central executive do?
It controls attention and manages the other parts of working memory.
What type of information does the phonological loop hold?
Sounds and words
What does the visuospatial sketchpad help with?
Seeing and remembering pictures, shapes, and locations.
How many "chunks" of information can working memory usually hold?
About 7 (plus or minus 2).
Name the three main components of Baddeley’s working memory model.
Phonological Loop, Visuospatial Sketchpad, Central Executive
What job does the central executive act like?
A manager or boss
What are the two parts of the phonological loop?
Phonological store and articulatory rehearsal
What is an example of when we use the visuospatial sketchpad?
Reading a map, imagining a room, or playing video games.
Why is it easier to remember short words than long words?
Short words are easier to repeat in the phonological loop (word length effect).
How does working memory differ from short-term memory?
Working memory actively processes information, while short-term memory just holds it.
Name one thing the central executive helps with.
Decision-making, focusing, problem-solving, switching between tasks
Why is it harder to remember words that sound similar?
They get mixed up in the phonological loop (phonological similarity effect).
How is the visuospatial sketchpad different from the phonological loop?
It processes images instead of words and sounds.
What happens when we try to remember too many things at once?
Our working memory gets overloaded, and we forget things.
True or False: Working memory only stores information but does not help with problem-solving.
False—working memory helps process and use information.
Does the central executive store information?
No, it controls and organizes the other parts of working memory.
How do we keep words in our phonological loop?
By repeating them in our head (subvocal rehearsal).
What part of the brain helps with the visuospatial sketchpad?
The occipital and parietal lobes.
How does working memory affect intelligence?
People with better working memory tend to solve problems faster.
What is the purpose of the episodic buffer?
It combines information from different parts of working memory and long-term memory.
What happens if the central executive is damaged?
People may have trouble focusing, making decisions, or switching between tasks.
What happens if we say random words while trying to remember something?
It blocks the phonological loop, making it harder to remember
What did the mental rotation study show about the visuospatial sketchpad?
People take longer to compare objects the more they are rotated, showing that we mentally "move" images in our mind.
Can we improve our working memory? How?
Yes! Practicing memory tasks, using strategies like chunking, and reducing distractions can help.