Question

Discuss how working memory is a limited capacity system.

Discuss the three components of working memory (phonological loop, visuospatial sketch pad, and the central executive

List examples of everyday tasks that may create overload problems.

Answer 1

Working memory is a short term memory used to hold small bits of interrelated information at the same time , which is later processed and maybe stored in long term memory. It has different systems or parts to hold different type of information.

The capacity of working memory is limited to what is required in daily use like to retain all words of a sentence to understand its meaning in conversations or to retain numerals for basic mathematical operations or dialling a phone number. The limitations of working memory capacity is evident when a person is asked to perform dual tasks involving the same working memory system. In such a cases memory for one or both stimuli is hampered , as the system gets overloaded. For example if we listen to two different songs in the left and right ear through headphones, we cannot make out the lyrics of either unless we consciously tune out the other.

Working memory has 3 components for information processing.

1.Phonological Loop - is the sysyem which holds acoustic information. It is associated with speech perception and speech production. It has 2 sub components called

• Phonological store
• Articulatory control process

It has has acess to orally presented verbal information , which is stored in a sequentially ordered loop in a phonological form after processing the acoustic, temporal and sequential properties of oral stimuli. The memory span is a joint function of rate of decay and rate of rehearsal.

2 visuospatial sketch pad - is the system which holds information in form of images , such as memory of objects and their locations.The complexity of the stimuli and the time duration for which it was viewed decide the rate of decay.

3.Central executive - is responsible for monitoring and coordinating the operation of the sub systems (visuo-spatial sketch pad and phonological loop) to work together and also in relation to long term memory.It decides which information is attended to and which system of the working memory should receive and process the information.

If tasks use different sub system there is no competition for capacity resources, however if the same system is to be used , there is cognitive overload which decreases performance.

Example - When we try to listen to the teacher's class lecture and our classmates gossip at the same time, we get confused if we try to follow both.

or When if we try watchin TV, simultaneously reading a book ee can effectively perform only one task.