Baddeley Working Memory Model

Baddeley Working Memory Model

The Baddeley working memory model is a theoretical framework that explains how our brains process and store information temporarily. The model consists of multiple components that work together to facilitate cognitive tasks.

Phonological Loop

• Also known as the "articulatory loop"
• Responsible for verbal information processing and temporary storage
• Consists of two sub-components:
  • Phonological store: a passive storage system that holds verbal information for a short duration
  • Articulatory rehearsal process: an active process that rehearses verbal information to maintain it in working memory

Visuospatial Sketchpad

• Responsible for visual and spatial information processing and temporary storage
• Processes visual information, including shapes, colors, and patterns
• Involved in tasks such as mental imagery and spatial reasoning

Central Executive

• The "CEO" of the working memory system
• Coordinates the flow of information between the Phonological Loop, Visuospatial Sketchpad, and Episodic Buffer
• Responsible for attentional control, decision-making, and problem-solving
• Manages the allocation of resources between different tasks and components

Episodic Buffer

• A temporary storage system that integrates information from the Phonological Loop and Visuospatial Sketchpad
• Holds bound features of information (e.g., linking words with visual images)
• Plays a key role in the formation of new episodic memories

Working Memory Capacity

• Refers to the limited capacity of the working memory system
• Represents the amount of information that can be held and processed simultaneously
• Individual differences in working memory capacity are correlated with cognitive abilities, such as intelligence, learning, and problem-solving.

Baddeley Working Memory Model

• A theoretical framework explaining how our brains process and store information temporarily
• Consists of multiple components working together to facilitate cognitive tasks

Phonological Loop

• Also known as the "articulatory loop"
• Responsible for verbal information processing and temporary storage
• Consists of two sub-components:
  • Phonological store: a passive storage system holding verbal information for a short duration
  • Articulatory rehearsal process: an active process rehearsing verbal information to maintain it in working memory

Visuospatial Sketchpad

• Responsible for visual and spatial information processing and temporary storage
• Processes visual information, including shapes, colors, and patterns
• Involved in tasks such as mental imagery and spatial reasoning

Central Executive

• The "CEO" of the working memory system
• Coordinates the flow of information between the Phonological Loop, Visuospatial Sketchpad, and Episodic Buffer
• Responsible for attentional control, decision-making, and problem-solving
• Manages the allocation of resources between different tasks and components

Episodic Buffer

• A temporary storage system integrating information from the Phonological Loop and Visuospatial Sketchpad
• Holds bound features of information (e.g., linking words with visual images)
• Plays a key role in the formation of new episodic memories

Working Memory Capacity

• Refers to the limited capacity of the working memory system
• Represents the amount of information that can be held and processed simultaneously
• Individual differences in working memory capacity are correlated with cognitive abilities, such as intelligence, learning, and problem-solving

Baddeley Working Memory Model

• A theoretical framework explaining how working memory functions

Phonological Loop

• Responsible for verbal information processing
• Consists of two components:
  • Phonological store: temporarily stores verbal information
  • Articulatory rehearsal process: repeats verbal information to maintain it in working memory
• Capacity is limited to around 1-2 seconds of speech

Visuospatial Sketchpad

• Responsible for visual and spatial information processing
• Processes visual and spatial information in working memory
• Capacity is limited, and information can be lost if not rehearsed

Central Executive

• Controls the flow of information between phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, and long-term memory
• Responsible for attention, decision-making, and error correction
• Has a limited capacity and can be influenced by factors such as motivation and arousal

Episodic Buffer

• Acts as a "backup" system to integrate information from phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad
• Temporarily stores and integrates information from different sources
• Plays a crucial role in working memory tasks requiring integration of verbal and visual information

Working Memory Capacity

• Ability to hold and manipulate information in working memory
• Limited capacity, with an average capacity of around 4-6 chunks of information
• Can be improved through practice, training, and strategies such as chunking and rehearsal

Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex

• Region in prefrontal cortex involved in working memory
• Plays a key role in central executive system
• Damage to this region can lead to impairments in working memory and executive functions