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Abstract

A runnable simulation architecture for working memory is described that provides an alternative to existing models of working memory, e.g., of Atkinson & Shiffrin (1968) and Baddeley (1986). It is used to interpret a variety of phenomena, including multiple resources, workload, chunking, sequential output, skilled and episodic memories, and stages of skill acquisition. The architecture is based on a set of modules organized into regions which communicate with each other on an innerloop of processing. A new feature of this architecture is a proposed context-storage module that temporarily stores context information in fast changing connection weights. This enables the system to expand effective working memory beyond the traditional 7 +/− 2 items. The context storage system is able to reload modules after short-term information decays or is displaced; in addition, it provides a means of achieving stable, robust processing under conditions of high workload.

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A Connectionist/Control Architecture for Working Memory and Workload: Why Working Memory is not 7 +/− 2

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