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Erica
06/02/2023
Psychology
The working memory model
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6 Feb 2023
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Working Memory Model (Baddeley and Hitch) for IB and A Level Psychology
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Evaluation of the Working Memory Model
The working memory model has been subject to extensive research and evaluation, providing both support and areas for further investigation. This evaluation is crucial for understanding the model's strengths and weaknesses in explaining cognitive processes.
- Clinical Evidence: Shallice and Warrington studied patient KF, who had brain damage affecting his short-term memory abilities. KF showed poor STM ability for verbal information but could process visual information normally. This case study suggests that the phonological loop was damaged, while other areas remained intact.
Example: The KF case study in Psychology provides strong support for the separation of verbal and visual processing in working memory, as proposed by the model.
- Dual Task Performance: Baddeley et al. (1975) demonstrated that participants had more difficulty performing two visual tasks simultaneously compared to performing a visual and a verbal task at the same time. This finding supports the idea that different subsystems handle different types of information.
Highlight: The dual task performance studies provide evidence for the separate functioning of the visuo-spatial sketchpad and phonological loop, supporting the working memory model's structure.
- Central Executive Clarity: Cognitive psychologists suggest that the central executive is the most important yet least understood component of the working memory model. This lack of clarity presents an area for further research and refinement of the model.
Vocabulary: The central executive in working memory is responsible for coordinating and allocating tasks to other subsystems, but its exact mechanisms are not fully understood.
- Word Length Effect: Studies by Baddeley et al. (1975) demonstrated that people find it harder to remember long words than short words. This phenomenon, known as the word length effect, supports the existence and functioning of the phonological loop.
Definition: The word length effect refers to the observation that short words are easier to remember than long words, providing evidence for the limited capacity of the phonological loop in the working memory model.
- Brain Scanning Studies: Braver et al. (1997) conducted brain scans on participants performing tasks involving the central executive. They found increased activity in the left prefrontal cortex as tasks became more challenging, providing neurological evidence for the model's components.
Highlight: Brain scanning studies offer neurological support for the working memory model, particularly in identifying brain regions associated with central executive functions.
These evaluations collectively provide strong support for the working memory model (Baddeley and Hitch), while also highlighting areas for further research, particularly regarding the central executive's functions and the model's overall integration with other cognitive processes.
The Working Memory Model: Components and Functions
The working memory model is a crucial concept in cognitive psychology, developed by Baddeley and Hitch to explain how short-term memory is organized and functions. This model focuses on the active part of the mind responsible for temporarily storing and manipulating information.
Definition: The working memory model is an explanation of how short-term memory is organized and how it functions, focusing on the part of the mind that is active when temporarily storing and manipulating information.
The model consists of four main components:
-
Central Executive: This component coordinates the activities of the three subsystems and allocates tasks.
-
Phonological Loop (PL): Processes auditory information using acoustic coding. It is divided into two parts:
- Phonological store: Stores words you hear
- Articulatory process: Acts like an inner voice and rehearses information (capacity believed to be 2 seconds)
-
Visuo-spatial Sketchpad : Processes visual and spatial information with a limited capacity of 3-4 objects. It is divided into:
- Visual cache: Stores visual data
- Inner scribe: Records the arrangement of objects in the visual field
-
Episodic Buffer: Brings together material from subsystems into one memory, with a limited capacity of around 4 chunks. It links working memory and long-term memory.
Highlight: The working memory model provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how different types of information are processed and temporarily stored in the mind, making it a fundamental concept in IB Psychology and A Level Psychology curricula.
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Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
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Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Working Memory Model (Baddeley and Hitch) for IB and A Level Psychology
The working memory model is a crucial concept in cognitive psychology that explains how short-term memory functions and processes information. This model, developed by Baddeley and Hitch, consists of four main components: the central executive, phonological loop, visuo-spatial sketchpad,... Show more
Evaluation of the Working Memory Model
The working memory model has been subject to extensive research and evaluation, providing both support and areas for further investigation. This evaluation is crucial for understanding the model's strengths and weaknesses in explaining cognitive processes.
- Clinical Evidence: Shallice and Warrington studied patient KF, who had brain damage affecting his short-term memory abilities. KF showed poor STM ability for verbal information but could process visual information normally. This case study suggests that the phonological loop was damaged, while other areas remained intact.
Example: The KF case study in Psychology provides strong support for the separation of verbal and visual processing in working memory, as proposed by the model.
- Dual Task Performance: Baddeley et al. (1975) demonstrated that participants had more difficulty performing two visual tasks simultaneously compared to performing a visual and a verbal task at the same time. This finding supports the idea that different subsystems handle different types of information.
Highlight: The dual task performance studies provide evidence for the separate functioning of the visuo-spatial sketchpad and phonological loop, supporting the working memory model's structure.
- Central Executive Clarity: Cognitive psychologists suggest that the central executive is the most important yet least understood component of the working memory model. This lack of clarity presents an area for further research and refinement of the model.
Vocabulary: The central executive in working memory is responsible for coordinating and allocating tasks to other subsystems, but its exact mechanisms are not fully understood.
- Word Length Effect: Studies by Baddeley et al. (1975) demonstrated that people find it harder to remember long words than short words. This phenomenon, known as the word length effect, supports the existence and functioning of the phonological loop.
Definition: The word length effect refers to the observation that short words are easier to remember than long words, providing evidence for the limited capacity of the phonological loop in the working memory model.
- Brain Scanning Studies: Braver et al. (1997) conducted brain scans on participants performing tasks involving the central executive. They found increased activity in the left prefrontal cortex as tasks became more challenging, providing neurological evidence for the model's components.
Highlight: Brain scanning studies offer neurological support for the working memory model, particularly in identifying brain regions associated with central executive functions.
These evaluations collectively provide strong support for the working memory model (Baddeley and Hitch), while also highlighting areas for further research, particularly regarding the central executive's functions and the model's overall integration with other cognitive processes.
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The Working Memory Model: Components and Functions
The working memory model is a crucial concept in cognitive psychology, developed by Baddeley and Hitch to explain how short-term memory is organized and functions. This model focuses on the active part of the mind responsible for temporarily storing and manipulating information.
Definition: The working memory model is an explanation of how short-term memory is organized and how it functions, focusing on the part of the mind that is active when temporarily storing and manipulating information.
The model consists of four main components:
-
Central Executive: This component coordinates the activities of the three subsystems and allocates tasks.
-
Phonological Loop (PL): Processes auditory information using acoustic coding. It is divided into two parts:
- Phonological store: Stores words you hear
- Articulatory process: Acts like an inner voice and rehearses information (capacity believed to be 2 seconds)
-
Visuo-spatial Sketchpad : Processes visual and spatial information with a limited capacity of 3-4 objects. It is divided into:
- Visual cache: Stores visual data
- Inner scribe: Records the arrangement of objects in the visual field
-
Episodic Buffer: Brings together material from subsystems into one memory, with a limited capacity of around 4 chunks. It links working memory and long-term memory.
Highlight: The working memory model provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how different types of information are processed and temporarily stored in the mind, making it a fundamental concept in IB Psychology and A Level Psychology curricula.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user