The Working Memory Model Baddeley and Hitch 1974

The Working Memory Model Baddeley and Hitch (1974)

Learning Objectives • To recap the Multi-store Model of Memory • To describe the different components of the Working Memory Model • To evaluate the model using research

The Working Memory Model • • Proposed by Baddeley and Hitch (1974) Disagreed that the STM is a unitary store Involves active processing and short-term storage of information The STM is actually a complex and flexible system that consists of a central control mechanism which is assisted by a number of slave systems

Your Task • In your groups focus on your particular component of the model (pgs 92 -93 in textbook and handouts) • Provide an outline of what it is/does and any more relevant information • Put it into your own words!

Central Executive

Visuo-spatial sketchpad

Episodic buffer

Phonological loop

Your Task • Complete the working memory template in your book – just put labels in the diagram, you can add a description in the next section! • Answer the questions regarding the supporting evidence using page 93 of your textbooks

Evidence for the phonological loop • Baddeley (1975) • Looked at the word length effect (short words easier to recall than long). • Participants were given a list of words (short and long) but were prevented from being able to rehearse words by repeating an irrelevant sound (la la la). Had to then recall the words. • They found that the word length effect was lost as articulatory suppression fills the phonological loop – being used already so can’t rehearse

Evidence for the visuo-spatial sketchpad • Baddeley (1973) • Participants had to either do two visual tasks at the same time or a visual and a verbal task at the same time • Could not do the two visual tasks well • Could complete the visual and verbal tasks well at the same time • Using different systems – phonological loop and visuo-spatial sketchpad • When both visual it is competing for same resources

Evaluation • Complete the cut and stick activity deciding which are strengths and which are weaknesses of the model • Stick the boxes into your evaluation table in your booklet

HOMEWORK • Complete Homework's 1 and 2 in your cognitive booklets • Ensure your booklet is up to date • For Mondays lesson – 29/09/14