Working memory is a cognitive system responsible for temporarily holding and manipulating information necessary for complex tasks such as reasoning, learning, and comprehension.
According to Baddeley and Hitch’s (1974) model, working memory consists of multiple components, including the central executive, phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, and later the episodic buffer (Baddeley, 2000).
The central executive functions as a control system, directing attention and coordinating information.
The phonological loop processes auditory information, while the visuospatial sketchpad handles visual and spatial data.
The episodic buffer integrates information from different sources into a coherent representation.
Research suggests that working memory capacity is strongly linked to cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving and decision-making (Cowan, 2005). It plays a critical role in everyday functioning, influencing academic performance, social interactions, and even emotional regulation.
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Post Author
Geoffrey W. Sutton, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Evangel University, holds a master’s degree in counseling and a PhD in psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. His postdoctoral work encompassed education and supervision in forensic and neuropsychology. As a licensed psychologist, he conducted clinical and neuropsychological evaluations and provided psychotherapy for patients in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and private offices. During his tenure as a professor, Dr. Sutton taught courses on psychotherapy, assessment, and research. He has authored over one hundred publications, including books, book chapters, and articles in peer-reviewed psychology journals. His website is https://suttong.com
References
Baddeley, A. D. (2000). The episodic buffer: A new component of working memory? Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 4(11), 417-423.
Baddeley, A. D., & Hitch, G. (1974). Working memory. Psychology of Learning and Motivation, 8, 47-89.
Cowan, N. (2005). Working memory capacity. Psychology Press.
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