Briefly describe the working memory model. (4 marks)

The working memory model proposes that the short term memory isn't unitary, but is split into separate stores. One store is the central executive which is involved in attention and higher mental processes. There is also the episodic buffer which acts as a temporary back-up store for the central executive. A third store is the phonological loop, associated with sound based information. Finally, there is the visuo-spatial sketchpad, associated with visual information.