Outline and evaluate the working memory model Essay Example for Free

Outline and evaluate the working memory object lesson EssayBaddeley and Hitch (1974) demonstrable an alternative copy of short-term memory which they called the working memory model. The working memory model consists of quartette components. The underlying executive which controls and co-ordinates the operation of two subsystems, the phonological loop and the visuo-spatial sketchpad. The central executive controls attention and coordinates the actions of the another(prenominal) components, it can briefly store knowledge, but has a limited capacity. The phonological loop consists of two parts, the articulative control system and the phonological store. The articulatory control system (the inner voice) where information is rehearsed sub vocally and has a capacity of about 2 seconds. The phonological store (the inner ear) stores information in saving-based form, the speech input is held for a brief duration. The third component, the visuo-spatial sketchpad, mentally manipula tes images and space, for example it is used when a person imagines the encodes opthalmic information in terms of separate objects as well as the arrangement of these objects in ones ocular field.The final component, episodic buffer, receives input from many sources, temporarily stores this information, and then puts them together in order to invention a mental episode of what is being experienced right now. The licence of the existence of the working memory model offers a better account than the STM component of the multi-store memory model. This is because it moves from describing immediate memory as a unitary store to one with a number of components.The working memory model does not over emphasize the importance of rehearsal for STM retention, in contrast to the multi-store model. It is an optional cognitive process kinda than the only means by which information is kept in immediate memory. The working memory model also explains many psychological observations. The KF case study supports the Working Memory Model. KF suffered brain damage from a motorcycle accident that damaged his short-term memory. KFs impairment was mainly for verbal information his memory for visual information was largely unaffected.This shows that there are separate STM components for visual information (visuo-spatial sketchpad) and verbal information (phonological loop). However, there are also arguments to suggest weaknesses of the working memory model. The main limitation is the lack of evidence for the central executive, some psychologists believe it is too vague. Critics also feel that the notion of a single central executive is wrong and that there are probably several components. This could make the working memory model appear reductionist because it has only been described as being unitary and over simplified.From this, it could be suggested that it is lack in detail and is not fully reliable. Finally, much of the supporting evidence for this model comes from the study of brain-damaged individuals, where it is undoable to make before and after comparisons, so it is not clear whether changes in behaviour is caused by the damage. Finally, the process of brain injury is traumatic, which may in itself change behaviour. These factors limit the validity of any conclusions drawn.