Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

The components of 'Working Memory' are:
(A) Acoustic unit
(B) Semantic unit
(C) Central executive
(D) Episodic buffer

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (C) and (D) only.
1. The Theory of Working Memory proposed by Baddeley and Hitch consists of several components that work together to process and store information.
2. The Central executive is the main component, which coordinates and integrates the activities of other subsystems (like the phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad), while the Episodic buffer integrates information from different sources and interfaces with long-term memory.
3. The Acoustic unit and Semantic unit are not components of working memory according to Baddeley’s model, which is why options (A) and (B) are not correct.

Information Booster
Theory of Working Memory (Baddeley & Hitch Model)
1.1. The working memory model was proposed by Baddeley and Hitch in 1974 as an alternative to the traditional view of memory as a unitary system. It suggests that working memory is not a single store but rather a system made up of multiple components that work together to process information in real time.
1.2. The model includes the Central Executive, which is a control system that regulates the flow of information between different subsystems, including the phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, and episodic buffer. The central executive is responsible for higher-level cognitive tasks such as problem-solving, reasoning, and decision-making.
1.3. The Phonological Loop is a subsystem responsible for processing verbal and auditory information. It is divided into two components:
The phonological store (stores sounds)
The articulatory rehearsal system (allows for the repetition of sounds).
1.4. The Visuospatial Sketchpad is responsible for processing visual and spatial information. It helps in tasks such as visualizing shapes, objects, and spatial relationships.
1.5. The Episodic Buffer is a later addition to the model and acts as a temporary store that integrates information from the phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, and long-term memory. This integration creates a coherent, multi-dimensional representation of experiences.
1.6. Working memory is crucial for a range of cognitive tasks, including learning, reasoning, decision-making, and problem-solving. The system allows individuals to hold and manipulate information in their minds for short periods, such as when solving math problems or planning actions.
1.7. The model is important because it explains how we can manage multiple pieces of information simultaneously and highlights the active nature of memory processing, rather than just a passive storage system.