If memory can be seen as a crowded city, what is the central executive in the context of the Three Box Model of Memory?

• A. The central executive is like the city's library, where all information is stored permanently.
• B. The central executive is like the city's museum, preserving only the most important memories.
• C. The central executive is like the city's traffic controller, directing attention and managing the flow of information between different areas.
• D. The central executive is like the city's power plant, providing energy for all mental processes.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the Three Box Model of Memory consists of three main components: sensory memory, short-term (or working) memory, and long-term memory.
2. Recognize that the central executive is a key part of the working memory system, responsible for controlling and regulating cognitive processes.
3. Compare the central executive to a 'traffic controller' because it directs attention, manages the flow of information, and coordinates activities between different memory stores and cognitive tasks.
4. Note that unlike a storage system (like a library or museum), the central executive does not store information permanently but instead oversees and manipulates information in real-time.
5. Conclude that the central executive's role is to allocate mental resources efficiently, ensuring that relevant information is processed and irrelevant information is ignored, much like managing traffic in a busy city.