Working Memory

One explanation of short-term memory is called working memory . Working memory includes retrieved information from long-term memory that is temporarily being used. [Beardsley, 2000]

Working Memory has three parts: [Beddeley, 1986; "Cognitive Psychology" 2000; Matlin, 1998, p. 127]

1. Phonological loop - stores a limited number of sounds for a short period of time. Information is kept in the phonological store , which would probably be in the temporal lobes , through a subvocal rehearsal process .
2. Visuo-spatial working memory - stores visual and spatial information.
3. Central executive - integrates information from each of the other two parts of working memory, as well as from long-term memory. The central executive controls attention and planning (Matlin, 1998, p. 130).

There are different ways to encode the information in working or short-term memory.

1. Acoustic coding - remembering information by how it sounds.
   This is the most commonly used type of coding for short-term memory. It is often the way you remember a phone number after looking it up. You can almost hear yourself saying the numbers, even if you aren't talking out loud. This silent repeating of information in your head is called rehearsal . (Matlin, 1998, p. 126; Benjamin, Hopkins, & Nation, 1994. p.257).
2. Visually coding - remembering information by its visual characteristics, using imagery.
   This type of memory is best when you have little external visual stimulation, which would interfere with this type of working memory (Toms, 1994, Matlin, 1998, p. 130).
3. Semantic coding - remembering something by its meaning. (Benjamin, Hopkins, & Nation, 1994. p.257)

When the information is in short term memory, it can either be "thrown out," or it can be encoded into long term memory . There are many different ways to encode something into your long term memory. Some are more effective than others.