What are the two subcomponents of the phonological loop, and what does each do?

• A. Phonological Store holds a temporary verbal code; Articulatory Rehearsal Process refreshes the store by subvocal repetition.
• B. Visual Cache stores visual form; Inner Scribe stores spatial information.
• C. Central Executive coordinates attention; Episodic Buffer integrates memories.
• D. Phonological Store stores long-term memory; Articulatory Rehearsal Process stores short-term images.

Answer: (A)

This question tests how the phonological loop is structured and what each part does. The phonological loop has two subcomponents: the Phonological Store, described as the inner ear, which holds a temporary verbal code for a short period; and the Articulatory Rehearsal Process, the inner voice, which refreshes items in the store through subvocal repetition. By re-saying the information silently, the rehearsal process keeps it active and prevents decay, enabling you to retain it longer or transfer it into longer-term memory. This is why you can remember a phone number by repeating it to yourself. If you’re prevented from subvocal rehearsal—say you’re counting or repeating another syllable—the information fades faster, showing the necessity of the rehearsal process. Other options point to different components or misstate what the store contains (for example, storing long-term memories) and don’t capture the distinct roles of the phonological store and the rehearsal process.