Which component is responsible for shifting attention between the slave systems and managing the flow of information in working memory?

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

Answer: (C)

Attention control and coordination within working memory is the job of the central executive. It acts as the cognitive control system that directs where focus goes, decides how to allocate processing resources between the phonological loop and the visuo-spatial sketchpad, and manages how information moves into the episodic buffer and toward long-term memory. This ability to shift attention between the slave systems and to regulate information flow is exactly what the central executive does, especially when switching tasks or inhibiting distracting input. The phonological loop stores verbal information through its sound-based store and inner rehearsal process. The visuo-spatial sketchpad handles visual and spatial data. The episodic buffer combines information from multiple sources into a cohesive representation and connects to long-term memory.