Abstract
The assumption that attention and short-term memory combine to play a crucial role in cognition continues to influence cognitive modeling. We trace the development of the multicomponent model of working memory, initially consisting of a limited-capacity central executive controlling two domain-specific systems: the phonological loop and the visuospatial sketchpad. The later introduction of the episodic buffer addressed the need to explain how information from different sources is bound into unified episodes. Subsequent developments suggest that the buffer functions as a consciously accessible, multidimensional interface combining storage with executive manipulation and attentional control. These developments lead to a reformulation of the model in which the episodic buffer, renamed the 'awareness buffer', is placed at the focal point of working memory.
TY - JOUR
T1 - Awareness as the heart of working memory.
AU - Allen,Richard J,
AU - Baddeley,Alan D,
AU - Hitch,Graham J,
Y1 - 2026/04/25/
PY - 2026/01/20/received
PY - 2026/03/16/revised
PY - 2026/04/06/accepted
PY - 2026/4/26/medline
PY - 2026/4/26/pubmed
PY - 2026/4/25/entrez
KW - attention
KW - awareness buffer
KW - conscious awareness
KW - multicomponent model
KW - working memory
JF - Trends in cognitive sciences
JO - Trends Cogn Sci
N2 - The assumption that attention and short-term memory combine to play a crucial role in cognition continues to influence cognitive modeling. We trace the development of the multicomponent model of working memory, initially consisting of a limited-capacity central executive controlling two domain-specific systems: the phonological loop and the visuospatial sketchpad. The later introduction of the episodic buffer addressed the need to explain how information from different sources is bound into unified episodes. Subsequent developments suggest that the buffer functions as a consciously accessible, multidimensional interface combining storage with executive manipulation and attentional control. These developments lead to a reformulation of the model in which the episodic buffer, renamed the 'awareness buffer', is placed at the focal point of working memory.
SN - 1879-307X
UR - https://www.unboundmedicine.com/prime/citation/42034504/Awareness_as_the_heart_of_working_memory.
DB - PRIME
DP - Unbound Medicine
ER -
