Discuss the working memory model.

Question 10 Mark Scheme

Discuss the working memory model. Refer to the central executive, phonological loop, visuo-spatial sketchpad and episodic buffer in your answer.

[16 marks]

What is expected in the answer?

The command word “discuss” requires students to explain the working memory model accurately and then evaluate how successfully it explains short-term memory. For 16 marks, students should describe the central executive, phonological loop, visuo-spatial sketchpad and episodic buffer, including their functions, coding and capacity where relevant, and then develop research-based strengths and limitations.

The current AQA specification explicitly requires these four components and identifies coding and capacity as features of the model.

Marks for this question: AO1 = 6, AO3 = 10

This matches AQA's specimen 16-mark question on the working memory model, which allocated AO1 = 6 and AO3 = 10.

Level	Marks	Description
4	13–16	Knowledge of the components and functioning of the working memory model is accurate and generally well detailed. The central executive, phonological loop, visuo-spatial sketchpad and episodic buffer are clearly explained. Discussion is thorough and effective, with research evidence and limitations clearly linked to the model. The answer is clear, coherent and focused, with effective use of specialist terminology. Minor detail or expansion may occasionally be lacking.
3	9–12	Knowledge of the components of the model is evident and there is some explanation of how the model functions. There may be occasional inaccuracies or omissions. Discussion is mostly effective and relevant evidence is used appropriately. The answer is generally clear and organised.
2	5–8	Some knowledge of the components is present, but one or more may be insufficiently developed or confused. The response is mainly descriptive and discussion is only partly effective. Research may be described without clearly explaining its relevance to the model.
1	1–4	Knowledge of the model is very limited or muddled. Discussion is limited, poorly focused or absent. There may be significant confusion between the working memory model and other models of memory. Specialist terminology is absent or used inaccurately.
0	0	No relevant content.

This closely follows AQA's published level descriptors for a 16-mark working memory model question.

Indicative content

AO1: The working memory model

Credit relevant knowledge such as:

• The working memory model (WMM) describes short-term memory as an active processing system, rather than a single passive store.

• Working memory consists of several separate but interacting components.

• The model can explain dual-task performance, because different tasks can be processed simultaneously when they use different components.

• Each component has a limited capacity, so performance may deteriorate when two tasks compete for the same component.

• The central executive coordinates the other components and distributes attentional resources.

AQA explicitly identifies the model as an active version of STM involving separate components, allocation of resources, divided attention and dual-task performance.

AO1: Central executive

Credit relevant knowledge such as:

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