Työmuistimalli

Työmuistimalli refers to a theoretical framework used in cognitive psychology and neuroscience to explain the mechanisms of working memory. Working memory is a system responsible for temporarily storing and manipulating information needed for complex cognitive tasks such as learning, reasoning, and comprehension. It is distinct from short-term memory, emphasizing the active processing and manipulation of information rather than just passive storage.

Several prominent models exist to describe working memory. The most influential is the Baddeley and Hitch (1974) multicomponent model, which posits working memory as comprising several interacting subsystems. These include the phonological loop, responsible for holding and rehearsing auditory and verbal information; the visuospatial sketchpad, which handles visual and spatial information; and the central executive, an attentional control system that manages the other components and allocates cognitive resources. Later, a fourth component, the episodic buffer, was added to integrate information from the other subsystems and from long-term memory into a coherent episodic representation.

Other models, such as the Cowan model, emphasize working memory as a part of long-term memory that is currently activated. This perspective focuses on the role of attention in bringing information into and maintaining it within the focus of awareness. Research into working memory models utilizes various methods, including behavioral experiments, neuroimaging techniques like fMRI and EEG, and computational modeling, to understand its capacity, duration, and the neural correlates associated with its function. Disruptions in working memory are often observed in various cognitive disorders and neurological conditions.