Describe the Working Memory Model

The use of the word ‘describe’ tells you that in this question all you need to do is explain the working memory model, and it does not require you to evaluate it in any way. The important thing is to make sure you include all the main components and briefly define the function of each one. In this case, a diagram of the model can be helpful, both to help explain the model and how the different components are associated with each other, as well as acting as a guide to make sure you have included all the components in your answer. An example answer is written below:The working memory model is a representation of short-term memory (STM), explaining how it is organised and how it functions. Within STM there is the central executive that coordinates and allocates information to the separate slave systems. The slave systems are the visuo-spatial sketchpad, which processes visual and spatial information, and the phonological loop, which processes acoustic information. The visuo-spatial sketchpad is further divided into the inner scribe, which is what we use when we visualise something in our mind, and the visual cache, which stores visual data. The phonological loop is made up of the phonological store, which stores auditory data, and the articulatory control, which is what we are thinking and allows for maintenance rehearsal. There is also an episodic buffer that integrates information from the separate slave systems, and which helps to create a sense of time. It is essentially the storage component of the central executive and has a capacity of about 4 chunks. The episodic buffer also links working memory with long term memory and wider cognitive processes.