Working memory and executive control: A Time-Based Resource-Sharing account

Abstract

In this article, we address the question of the relationships between executive control and working memory. Through a review of several studies conducted within the theoretical framework provided by our Time-Based Resource-Sharing model, we argue that most of the fractionations of working memory assumed by Baddeley's standard multi-component model tend to disappear when temporal factors are carefully controlled, and that the system known as the central executive is in charge of both functions of processing and storage. However, this does not mean that the concepts of working memory and executive control are coextensive. As suggested by our recent investigation of verbal working memory, central domain-general and peripheral domainspecific mechanisms operate jointly to maintain information active, extending working memory structure and functioning beyond the boundaries of the central executive.