Which component of the working memory model processes auditory information?

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

Answer: (A)

Auditory information is handled by the phonological loop. This component stores sound-based information briefly and also uses an articulatory rehearsal process (often described as subvocal speech) to refresh that memory. So when you hear digits or a list of words and silently repeat them to yourself to keep them in memory, you’re using the phonological loop. It’s particularly tied to language and sound processing, which is why it supports tasks like digit spans and recalling spoken word sequences.

The other parts of working memory do different jobs: the visuo-spatial sketchpad handles visual and spatial information, the central executive directs attention and coordinates processing, and the episodic buffer integrates information from multiple sources into a single sequence. None are specialized for processing auditory information in the way the phonological loop is.