Cinquenta anos de memória operacional: Teorias atualizadas e direções futuras

Working memory has been one of the most important topics in cognitive psychology since the classic chapter published by Baddeley and Hitch (1974) 50 years ago. In this article, we present three influential theoretical models in the literature since then: the multicomponent model, the time-based resource sharing (TBRS) model, and the embedded-processes model. We explain the development of these theories and summarize their characteristics regarding the structure and functioning of working memory. A comparative framework between the three theories is proposed, along with considerations on the theoretical advancement in the field and directions for future research.