WMM stands for Working Memory Model. It is a cognitive model proposed by psychologists Alan Baddeley and Graham Hitch in 1974 to describe and understand the processes involved in our short-term memory and working memory.
Working memory refers to the cognitive system responsible for temporary storage and manipulation of information during complex cognitive tasks. It is essential for tasks such as reasoning, problem-solving, language comprehension, and decision-making. The Working Memory Model suggests that working memory consists of several components.
The central executive is the control center of working memory, responsible for coordinating and integrating information from the other components. It allocates attention and resources to specific tasks.
The phonological loop is responsible for the storage and manipulation of auditory and verbal information. It consists of two subcomponents: the phonological store, a passive memory that holds and maintains auditory information, and the articulatory control process, which rehearses and refreshes this information.
The visuospatial sketchpad stores and manipulates visual and spatial information. It is involved in mental imagery, visualizing objects, and spatial navigation.
The episodic buffer is a temporary storage area that integrates different types of information from various sources and binds them into coherent episodes or chunks.
The Working Memory Model has significantly influenced the study of memory and cognitive processes. It provides a framework for understanding how we temporarily store and manipulate information, aiding our understanding of human cognition and its limitations.
