What additional component was proposed by Baddeley to improve working memory's capacity to hold information?

Baddeley proposed the episodic buffer as an additional component to enhance the model of working memory. The episodic buffer serves as a temporary storage system that integrates information from the phonological loop and the visuospatial sketch pad, along with information from long-term memory. This integration allows for the simultaneous processing of both verbal and visual information, enabling individuals to construct coherent and meaningful representations of experiences.

By introducing the episodic buffer, Baddeley expanded the understanding of how working memory functions, emphasizing that it is not just a passive storage system but an active integrative process that connects different types of information. This allows for a more flexible and comprehensive approach to managing and manipulating information in working memory, making it crucial for activities such as reasoning, problem-solving, and language comprehension. The episodic buffer thus plays a vital role in effective cognitive functioning, demonstrating its importance in the broader context of cognitive psychology.