In a dual-task scenario requiring processing of different WM components, which system directs attention and coordinates the other components?

• A. Phonological loop.
• B. Episodic buffer.
• C. Central executive.
• D. Visuo-spatial sketchpad.

Answer: (C)

The central executive acts as the control center that directs attention and coordinates the other components. It doesn’t store information itself; instead, it decides what to focus on, allocates processing resources, and manages task switching and interference between tasks. In a dual-task situation where different modules must be processed at once, the central executive orchestrates how the phonological loop (verbal information), the visuo-spatial sketchpad (visual/spatial information), and the episodic buffer (integrating information into coherent episodes) work together, ensuring smooth operation and preventing overload. The other systems handle storage and specific processing, but it’s the central executive that steers the overall workflow.