Working Memory Model

Represents a significant advancement from the MSM. Proposed by Baddeley and Hitch (1974), this models explain STM as an active system that can simultaneously hold and process multiple pieces of information rather than being a passive temporary store.
Unlike MSM, which viewed STM as a single, unified store, the WMM proposed that working memory consists of several specialised components that work together.

Functions as the supervisory system of working memory, acting as the 'boss' that controls and coordinates other slave systems. It determines which information deserves attention and which should be ignored.
Processes information from all sensory modalities and directs information to the appropriate slave systems. An extremely limited storage capacity and can only effectively handle one stream of information at a time. This explains why we find it challenging to perform multiple demanding tasks simultaneously.
A key function is attentional control - it allows us to switch our focus between different sources of information and help maintain concentration on relevant tasks, filtering out distractions.

Baddeley's Dual Task Study (1996) - Ppts were asked to generate a list of random numbers whilst simultaneously switching between pressing numbers and letters on a keyboard. Ppts struggled because of the extremely limited storage capacity.

- The least understood component as it is quite vague.
- Many contemporary researchers view the CE as an attentional control system rather than a memory store.

Specialises in processing auditory information and maintaining the order of sounds and words. It has a limited capacity, allowing storage of information that can be spoken aloud within approximately 2 seconds.
Primary Acoustic Store - 'inner ear' which holds recently heard words for a brief period. Maintains acoustic information in its original auditory form, allowing us to retain the sound of words and speech patterns.
Articulatory Process - ‘inner voice’ which enables subvocal rehearsal of information within the phonological loop. Links directly to speech production and allows us to repeat words silently to ourselves.

Word Length Effect Study (Baddeley et al., 1975) - Ppts were presented with lists of either short words or long words in serial order. Results showed significantly better recall for short words, supporting the idea that PL capacity depends on temporal duration

Neuroimaging studies using PET scans revealed that different brain areas activate during verbal vs visual tasks, providing biological evidence for seperate PL and VSS systems.

Handles non-auditory information, serving as a temporary storage system for visual and spatial items. Described as the ‘inner eye’ and processes what objects look like and where they are located in space. Eanbles individuals to navigate their environment and interact with the physical world around them.
Visual Cache - Stores information about visual form and colour, maintaining the appearance characteristics of objects and scenes.
Inner Scribe - Handles spatial relationships and rehearses information, transferring it to the visual cache when needed. Manages the spatial arrangement of objects and their movements through space.

Dual Task Study (Gathercole and Baddeley, 1993) - Ppts found it difficult to simultaneously track a moving light point and describe angles on a hollow letter F, since both require VSS resources. Ppts managed combined verbal and tracking tasks more easily, showing seperate processing systems, PL and VSS.

PET scanning has revealed that PL and VSS activate different brain regions - visual tasks show left hemisphere activation whilst spatial tasks activate the right hemisphere.

Added in 2000 to address limitations in the original three-component model. The PL and VSS had limited capacity and the CE lacked storage capability, yet the model needed to explain how integrated information from multiple sources could be temporarily maintained.
The EB serves as a general storage system capable of combining CE, PL and VSS and long-term memory. The component allows different types of information to be integrated and manipulated together.

Patient Study (Alkhalifa, 2009) - A patient with severely impaired long-term memory nevertheless demonstrates STM capacity for up to 25 prose items, exceeding PL and VSS capacities.

1. Provides a more realistic and detailed explanation of STM than the MSM.
2. Supported by extensive research from multiple methodologies, including case studies, experimental research, and neuroimaging.
3. Practical applications in educational settings and understanding attention disorders.