Working Memory Model (Memory Model Answers) (Paper 1 Model Answers)

by Yum Yum Mama Team June 5, 2023

Describe and evaluate the working memory model of memory.

(Total 16 marks)

Model Answer

The working memory model of memory, proposed by Baddeley and Hitch in 1974, offers a detailed framework for understanding the processes involved in short-term memory. The model consists of several components that work together to facilitate the temporary storage and manipulation of information. Firstly, the central executive acts as the control centre, allocating attentional resources and coordinating the functions of the other components. The phonological loop, composed of the phonological store and articulatory rehearsal process, handles verbal and auditory information. The visuospatial sketchpad deals with visual and spatial information, allowing mental imagery and manipulation of objects in space. Additionally, the episodic buffer serves as a temporary storage system for integrating information from different modalities into a coherent representation. The working memory model emphasises the active nature of memory processes and highlights the role of attention in the control and manipulation of information.

One strength of the working memory model is its ability to account for a wide range of empirical findings. The model's components have been supported by various studies using different methodologies, such as dual-task experiments by Hitch and Baddeley ( 1976) where support was found for the existence of the central executive. As well as this, support has been found for neuroimaging techniques. For example, research has demonstrated the existence of distinct brain regions associated with verbal and visuospatial working memory tasks, supporting the idea of separate systems in the model. Additionally, evidence from patients with specific impairments in one component (e.g., impaired phonological loop in individuals with language difficulties) further supports the validity of the model. This comprehensive empirical support enhances the credibility and usefulness of the working memory model as an explanation of memory processes.

Despite its strengths, the working memory model also faces some limitations. One limitation is that the model does not fully explain the mechanisms underlying the central executive. The central executive is a relatively vague concept, lacking clear guidelines on how it functions and how it interacts with other components. This ambiguity makes it difficult to test and validate the specific processes and operations involved in the central executive. Additionally, the working memory model places more emphasis on the structure and organisation of memory rather than the content. It does not provide a comprehensive account of long-term memory and the processes involved in transferring information from working memory to long-term storage. Therefore, while the working memory model provides a valuable framework for understanding short-term memory processes, it requires further refinement and integration with other memory models to offer a more comprehensive account of human memory.

Another limitation of the working memory model is its oversimplification of memory processes. The model primarily focuses on the storage and manipulation of information within the working memory system, neglecting the broader context of memory formation, retrieval, and forgetting. It fails to address the role of encoding processes, retrieval cues, and factors that influence long-term memory consolidation. Furthermore, the model does not fully account for the influence of individual differences, such as cognitive abilities and strategies, on working memory performance. These individual differences can significantly impact an individual's capacity and efficiency in utilising working memory resources. Thus, while the working memory model provides valuable insights into short-term memory processes, it should be complemented by other models and theories to offer a more comprehensive understanding of memory as a whole. Incorporating additional factors and considering the dynamic nature of memory processes would strengthen the explanatory power of the working memory model.