Working Memory Model
From Freepedia
The Working Memory Model was proposed by Alan Baddeley and Graham Hitch in 1974, in an attempt to describe a more accurate model of short-term memory.
Baddeley & Hitch proposed the 'working' memory model as an alternative to Atkinson & Shiffin's 'multi-store' memory model, (1968) specifically challenging the function of the STM (short-term memory). As with most areas of this nature the exact accuracy of these propositions are'nt entirely known. In most cases any one theory tends to simplify the 'bigger picture' to a single perspective, which makes comprehension attainable but at the expense of total correctness. So, with this particular proposal Baddeley & Hitch argued that the STM is composed of three main components; the 'central reserve' which acts as a sensor to stimuli and controls the flow of information to the one or both of it's 'slave-systems': the 'phonological loop' and the 'visuo-spatial store.'
Baddeley & Hitch's argument for the relevence of their model was derived from two everyday observations: 1. When a person carries out a multitask requiring the use of two memory systems, i.e. a visual & auditory task at the same time, he/she can perform these as efficiently as they would carrying out the tasks one at a time. 2. But, when a person tries to carry out a multitask which requires the use of the same memory system, i.e. 2 visual tasks at the same time, he/she cannot perform these as efficiently as they would if they were to carry out the tasks one at a time.
As previously stated, the working memory model consists of three main components; the 'hub' of the system (central reserve) which alerts the two faculties (phonological loop & visuo-spatial store) to act when appropriate. The phonological loop can be divided into two further sub-systems - the phonological store & the articulatory process. The phonological loop as a whole deals with auditory stimulus, when we hear or read any auditory information the phonological store will act as an inner-ear and remember the order of words, whilst the articulatory process will act as an inner-voice and say the word(s) on a loop. The visuo-spatial sketchpad is concerned with any visual or spatial tasks such as, remembering where you put your keys down for instance, (visual) one would normally recall images of likely places; coffee table, desk, mantle piece etc. Also tasks which involve planning, to manipulate your environment, (spatial) like walking out to the garden to hang clothes up to dry.
Baddeley & Hitch's model was met with varying opinion (as always), but was generally accepted as it clearly answered many everyday observations regarding the nature of memory, including the "word-length test". It was also further backed up by tests conducted by Trojano & Grossi in 1995, using participants with various forms of brain-damage to confirm the ideals of the visuo-spatial sketchbook in particular. The notable rejection to the model was centered around the lack of knowledge concerning the model's 'central reserve', which was believed, by many psychologists to be unsubstantial.
References
- Baddeley, A.D., & Hitch, G. (1974). Working memory. In G.H. Bower (Ed.), The psychology of learning and motivation: Advances in research and theory (Vol. 8, pp. 47--89). New York: Academic Press.
