In 1974, Baddeley and Hitch proposed a three component model of working memory. Over the years, this has been successful in giving an integrated account not only of data from normal adults, but also neuropsychological, developmental, and neuroimaging data. There are, however, a range of phenomena that are not readily captured by the current model. These are described and a fourth component, the episodic buffer, is proposed.
Conscious awareness is assumed to reflect the principal mode of retrieval from the buffer.
A preliminary attempt to specify the model is made by offering speculative answers to eight basic questions. The new model differs from the old principally in focusing attention on the processes of integrating information, rather than on the isolation of the sub-systems. In doing so, it provides a better basis for tackling the more complex aspects of executive control in working memory. Alan Baddeley is one of the most influential memory researchers of our time. This institute is one of the most important centres of experimental and applied psychology.