What component of working memory is specifically a storage system for auditory information?

The phonological loop is the component of working memory that specifically deals with the storage and manipulation of auditory information. It is responsible for processing verbal and acoustic information and is a crucial part of Baddeley and Hitch’s model of working memory. This system allows for the temporary storage of sounds, which can include spoken words and other auditory stimuli.

The phonological loop consists of two main parts: a phonological store, which holds speech-based information briefly, and an articulatory rehearsal process, which allows for the repetition of information to keep it in memory. This mechanism is particularly important for tasks that involve language comprehension and communication.

Other components mentioned, such as the episodic buffer, play a role in integrating information from different sources, while iconic memory pertains to visual information and episodic memory relates to the storage of personal experiences and events. None of these components specifically addresses the auditory information storage as effectively as the phonological loop does.