Baddeley (1974) defined working memory as; complicated thought processes that depend on a single but subdivided system, operating throughout a range of situations. The multi-component model of working memory Baddeley and Hitch (1974) consists of three individual elements, termed the tripartite model of working memory. Firstly, the phonological loop; a slave system that stores and rehearses verbal information. Secondly, the visuo-spacial sketchpad; also a slave system that collects and repeats visual, and spacial information. Finally, the central executive that is responsible for attentional supervision and coordination. A fourth module was added by Baddeley (2000) the episodic buffer liable for coding and binding information into chunks or episodes
Evidence to support fractionation in working memory came from Baddeley and Hitch (1974). Adopting the two-task methodology they attempted to replicate neuropsychological evidence of modularisation (Shallice and Warrington, 1970). Baddeley and Hitch measured short term memory loads; digit span and how this disrupted performance in a cognitive task; reasoning. The results suggested interferences did occur in cognition tasks, however the intrusion was not devastating. These findings indicated that working memory could be partitioned into two components, a depository that could hold small amounts of
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The study identified locations of impairement and double dissociation of cognitive operation (Pickering, 2001). In addition, Farah, Hammond, Levine, & Calvanio, (1988) case study of LH found compromised visual memory and normal spacial memory. The reverse effect was found by Luzzatti, Vecchi, Agazzi, Bianchi,& Vergani, (1998) for patient EP. Spacial memory was impaired, but visual memory was