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Working Memory Model questions
Q1.
A brain scan shows that one area of the brain is more active when a person is doing a verbal task. However, when this person is doing a visual task, a different area of the brain is more active. (a) Explain how this could relate to the working memory model. Refer to different parts of the working memory model in your answer. ........................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................ (Extra space) ................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................ (4) (b) Give an example of an appropriate verbal task and an appropriate visual task which could be used during the brain scan. Verbal task ................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................ Visual task .................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................ (2) (Total 6 marks)
Q2.
Explain one strength and one weakness of the working memory model. Strength .................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. Weakness .............................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. (Total 4 marks) Q3. Tick two of the boxes below to indicate which of the following are features of the working memory model. A Serial position curve B Incidental learning store C Central executive D Phonological loop (Total 2 marks)
(Total 2 marks) Q8. Explain one strength of the working memory model. (Total 3 marks) Q9. Choose one study of the working memory model. Briefly outline what the participants were asked to do in this study. (Total 2 marks) Q10. Outline two features of the working memory model. (Total 2 marks) Q11. Outline one strength and one limitation of the working memory model. Strength .................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. Extra space .............................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. (2) Limitation ................................................................................................................
(2) (Total 4 marks) Q12. Outline the main features of the working memory model. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. Extra space .............................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. (Total 4 marks) Q13. An experiment was carried out to investigate the working memory model. One group of participants was asked to carry out two visual tasks at the same time. A different group of participants was asked to carry out a visual task and a verbal task at the same time. The results showed that the participants who carried out two visual tasks at the same time performed less well on the tasks than participants who carried out a visual task and a verbal task at the same time. Use your knowledge of the working memory model to explain this finding. ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................
Q16.
Briefly describe the working memory model. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. Extra space ............................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. (Total 4 marks) Q17. Describe and evaluate the working memory model of memory. (Total 16 marks)
M1.
(a) AO2 = 4 The visuo-spatial scratchpad (sketchpad) stores / manipulates visual and spatial information and will be active when the person is doing a visual task. The phonological loop, comprising the phonological store (inner ear) and articulatory control system (inner voice) will be active during a verbal task. 1 mark for accurate identification of at least two components, eg central executive, visuo-spatial sketchpad / scratchpad and phonological loop (or a sub-component). Credit an accurate diagram. 1 mark for a very brief or muddled explanation. Up to 2 further marks for an accurate explanation. (b) AO2 = 2 Likely examples for a verbal task include learning / repeating words, speaking and reading. Visual tasks include forming an image of something and answering questions about it or mentally counting the windows of a house, watching DVD, reading. Credit any acceptable tasks which are clearly verbal or visual. To be appropriate in this context, the verbal and visual tasks must be different. However, some tasks, eg reading, could be verbal or visual. M2. Please note that the AOs for the new AQA Specification (Sept 2015 onwards) have changed. Under the new Specification the following system of AOs applies:
- AO1 knowledge and understanding
- AO2 application (of psychological knowledge)
inaccuracies. There is some effective discussion / evaluation / application. The answer is mostly clear and organised. Specialist terminology is mostly used appropriately. 2 4 – 6 Knowledge is present. Focus is mainly on description. Any discussion / evaluation / application is of limited effectiveness. The answer lacks clarity, accuracy and organisation in places. Specialist terminology is used inappropriately on occasions. 1 1 – 3 Knowledge is limited. Discussion / evaluation / application is limited, poorly focused or absent. The answer as a whole lacks clarity, has many inaccuracies and is poorly organised. Specialist terminology is either absent or inappropriately used. 0 No relevant content. Please note that although the content for this mark scheme remains the same, on most mark schemes for the new AQA Specification (Sept 2015 onwards) content appears as a bulleted list. AO Candidates may describe the original 1974 version of the model or include later additions such as the episodic buffer which was added in 2000. The working memory model replaced the idea of a unitary STM. It suggests a system involving active processing and short-term storage of information. Key features include the central executive, the phonological loop (consisting of two components, the phonological store and the articulatory control process), and the visuospatial sketch pad or scratchpad. Candidates should refer to components and processes. Candidates may be credited for a diagram but description of the mechanisms involved should also be present. AO Candidates are likely to evaluate the WMM in terms of its strengths and weaknesses. Likely strengths include use of research support such as dual task studies and physiological evidence from brain scans. Candidates may offer a comparison with the MSM and suggest WMM gives a better account of STM. Likely weaknesses include the fact that little is known about how the central executive works or evidence from brain studies suggesting the central executive is not unitary. Stating that WM focuses too much on STM and not on LTM is not creditworthy, although suggesting it isn’t a complete model of memory could be. Genuine comparison / contrast with alternative models of memory is creditworthy, but description eg of MSM is not.
M5.
Marks for this question: AO1 = 6, AO3 = 10 Level Marks Description 4 13 – 16 Knowledge is accurate and generally well detailed. Discussion / evaluation / application is thorough and effective. The answer is clear, coherent and focused. Specialist terminology is used effectively. Minor detail and / or expansion of argument sometimes lacking. 3 9 – 12 Knowledge is evident. There are occasional inaccuracies. Discussion / evaluation / application is apparent and mostly effective. The answer is mostly clear and organised. Specialist terminology is mostly used effectively. Lacks focus in places. 2 5 – 8 Some knowledge is present. Focus is mainly on description. Any Discussion / evaluation / application is only partly effective. The answer lacks clarity, accuracy and organisation in places. Specialist terminology is used inappropriately on occasions. 1 1 – 4 Knowledge is limited. Discussion / evaluation / application is limited, poorly focused or absent. The answer as a whole lacks clarity, has many inaccuracies and is poorly organised. Specialist terminology either absent or inappropriately used. 0 No relevant content. Please note that although the content for this mark scheme remains the same, on most mark schemes for the new AQA Specification (Sept 2015 onwards) content appears as a bulleted list. AO Candidates may describe the original 1974 version of the model or include later additions such as the episodic buffer which was added in 2000. The working memory model replaced the idea of a unitary STM. It suggests a system involving active processing and short-term storage of information. Key features include the central executive, the phonological loop (consisting of two components, the phonological store and the articulatory control process), and the visuospatial sketch pad or scratchpad. Candidates should refer to components and processes. Candidates may be credited for a diagram but description of the mechanisms involved should also be present. AO Candidates are likely to evaluate the WMM in terms of its strengths and weaknesses. Likely strengths include use of research support such as dual task
AO1 Knowledge of the working memory model 4 marks Accurate and reasonably detailed Accurate and reasonably detailed answer that demonstrates sound knowledge of the model. 3 marks Less detailed but generally accurate Less detailed but generally accurate answer that demonstrates relevant knowledge of the model. 2 marks Basic Basic answer that demonstrates some relevant knowledge of the model, but lacks detail and may be muddled. 1 mark Very brief / flawed Very brief or flawed answer demonstrating very little knowledge of the model eg simply naming one or more components. 0 marks No creditworthy material M7. Please note that the AOs for the new AQA Specification (Sept 2015 onwards) have changed. Under the new Specification the following system of AOs applies:
- AO1 knowledge and understanding
- AO2 application (of psychological knowledge)
- AO3 evaluation, analysis, interpretation. AO2 = 2 Likely limitations include: little is known about how the central executive works; evidence from brain studies suggesting the central executive is not unitary; it fails to account for musical memory because we are able to listen to instrumental music without impairing performance on other acoustic tasks. Simply stating the model does not explain LTM is not credit-worthy. However stating the link between WM and LTM is not fully explained is legitimate. Stating the model is too simple (with no accurate elaboration) is not credit-worthy. 1 mark for identification eg the central executive is too simplistic. A further mark for accurate elaboration.
M8.
Please note that the AOs for the new AQA Specification (Sept 2015 onwards) have changed. Under the new Specification the following system of AOs applies:
- AO1 knowledge and understanding
- AO2 application (of psychological knowledge)
- AO3 evaluation, analysis, interpretation. [AO1 = 1, AO2 = 2] AO One mark for one strength of the working memory model. Likely points: the model helps to explain how cognitive processes interact / memory is an active rather than passive process / it provides explanation and possible treatment programmes for people with processing deficits / it highlights the different memory tasks that STM can deal with by identifying separate components. Can explain the results of dual task studies. AO Up to 2 marks for an explanation of how / why the issue chosen is a strength. Credit comparison with other models. Credit use of evidence as part of the explanation. M9. [AO1 = 2] Up to 2 marks for a description of the procedure / method. Typically a full answer will include the two conditions of the study. Possible answers: In one study, participants in Condition 1 were asked to memorise a series of letters while participants in Condition 2 were asked to rehearse the sounds of the letters in their heads. All the participants had their blood flow in their brains measured by PET scan while doing the tasks. In a study, participants in one condition were asked to play a computer game using a joystick while carrying out a visuospatial distracter task. In the other condition participants played the same game but they had to carry out a verbal memory
Likely limitations include the fact that little is known about how the central executive works or evidence from brain studies suggesting the central executive is not unitary. The model doesn't account for musical memory because participants can listen to instrumental music without impairing performance on other acoustic tasks. Simply stating that the model does not explain LTM is not credit-worthy as a limitation. However, stating that the link between WM and LTM is not fully explained is legitimate. Credit any acceptable strength and limitation. For each strength and limitation, 1 mark for identification. A further mark for accurate elaboration. For example (strength), there is evidence from dual task studies to support the model ( mark). It is easier to do two tasks at the same time if they use different processing systems (verbal and visual) than if they use the same slave system (2 marks). For example (limitation), the central executive is too simple / vague (1 mark). The central executive is an important / vital part of the model but its exact role is unclear (2 marks). M12. Please note that the AOs for the new AQA Specification (Sept 2015 onwards) have changed. Under the new Specification the following system of AOs applies:
- AO1 knowledge and understanding
- AO2 application (of psychological knowledge)
- AO3 evaluation, analysis, interpretation. Although the essential content for this mark scheme remains the same, mark schemes for the new AQA Specification (Sept 2015 onwards) take a different format as follows:
- A single set of numbered levels (formerly bands) to cover all skills
- Content appears as a bulleted list
- No IDA expectation in A Level essays, however, credit for references to issues, debates and approaches where relevant. AO1 = 4 Candidates may describe the original 1974 version of the model or include later additions such as the episodic buffer which was added in 2000.
The working memory model replaced the idea of a unitary STM. It suggests a system involving active processing and short-term storage of information. Key features include the central executive, the phonological loop (consisting of two components, the phonological store and the articulatory control process), and the visuo- spatial sketch pad. For 4 marks candidates should refer to components and the relationship between them. Candidates may include a diagram. If this is accurately labelled and sufficiently detailed, this can potentially receive the full 4 marks. AO1 Knowledge of the working memory model 4 marks Accurate and reasonably detailed Accurate and reasonably detailed answer that demonstrates sound knowledge of the model.There is appropriate selection of material to address the question. 3 marks Less detailed but generally accurate Generally accurate but less detailed answer that demonstrates relevant knowledge of the model.There is some evidence of selection of material to address the question. 2 marks Basic Basic answer that demonstrates some relevant knowledge of the model, but lacks detail and may be muddled. There is little evidence of selection of material to address the question. 1 mark Very brief and/or flawed Very brief or flawed answer that demonstrates very little knowledge of the model. Selection of material is largely inappropriate. 0 marks No creditworthy material. M13. AO2 = 3 Participants would find it hard to do two visual tasks at the same time because they would be competing for the same limited resources of the visuo-spatial sketchpad. However, a visual task and a verbal task would use different components. 1 mark for a very brief or slightly muddled explanation eg both visual tasks use the visuo-spatial sketchpad. Further marks for accurate elaboration. For full marks students must refer to both conditions.
Possible answer: Claire is able to search for photos and listen to music as these tasks involve different sub-systems in working memory (1) – the visuo-spatial sketch / scratch pad and the articulatory / phonological loop / store / primary acoustic store (1). Claire finds it difficult to read her e-mails and talk on the phone as these tasks involve the same store (1) – the articulatory / phonological loop / store / primary acoustic store (1). M16. Please note that the AOs for the new AQA Specification (Sept 2015 onwards) have changed. Under the new Specification the following system of AOs applies:
- AO1 knowledge and understanding
- AO2 application (of psychological knowledge)
- AO3 evaluation, analysis, interpretation. Although the essential content for this mark scheme remains the same, mark schemes for the new AQA Specification (Sept 2015 onwards) take a different format as follows:
- A single set of numbered levels (formerly bands) to cover all skills
- Content appears as a bulleted list
- No IDA expectation in A Level essays, however, credit for references to issues, debates and approaches where relevant. AO1 = 4 Candidates may describe the original 1974 version of the model or include later additions such as the episodic buffer which was added in 2000. The working memory model replaced the idea of a unitary STM. It suggests a system involving active processing and short-term storage of information. Key features include the central executive, the phonological loop (consisting of two components, the phonological store and the articulatory control process), and the visuo-spatial sketch pad. For 4 marks candidates should refer to components and processes. Candidates may include a diagram. If this is accurately labelled and sufficiently detailed, this can potentially receive the full 4 marks. AO1 Knowledge of the working memory model 4 marks Accurate and reasonably detailed Accurate and reasonably detailed answer that demonstrates sound knowledge of the model.
3 marks Less detailed but generally accurate Less detailed but generally accurate answer that demonstrates relevant knowledge of the model. 2 marks Basic Basic answer that demonstrates some relevant knowledge of the model, but lacks detail and may be muddled. 1 mark Very brief / flawed Very brief (e.g. only naming 2 or more components), or flawed answer demonstrating very little knowledge of the model. 0 marks No creditworthy material. M17. [AO1 = 6 and AO3 = 10] Level Marks Description 4 13 – 16 Knowledge of components and functioning of model is accurate and generally well detailed. Evaluation is thorough and effective. The answer is clear, coherent and focused. Specialist terminology is used effectively. Minor detail and / or expansion of argument sometimes lacking. 3 9 – 12 Knowledge of components of model is evident and there is some reference to function of model. There are occasional inaccuracies. Evaluation is apparent and mostly effective. The answer is mostly clear and organised. Specialist terminology mostly used effectively. Lacks focus in places. 2 5 – 8 Knowledge of some components of model is present. Focus is mainly on description. Any evaluation is only partly effective. The answer lacks clarity, accuracy and organisation in places. Specialist terminology used inappropriately on occasions. 1 1 – 4 Knowledge of model is limited. Evaluation is limited, poorly focused or absent. The answer as a whole lacks clarity, has many inaccuracies and is poorly organised. Specialist terminology either absent or inappropriately used. 0 No relevant content. AO1 Content:
- version of STM which sees this store as an active processor
