Which component of working memory is responsible for handling visual information?

The component of working memory responsible for handling visual information is the visuospatial sketchpad. This part of working memory specifically deals with the processing and manipulation of visual and spatial information, such as remembering the layout of a room or visualizing a map. It enables individuals to create mental images and to coordinate visual tasks, such as navigating through space or recalling the position of objects.

The other components mentioned play different roles in working memory: the phonological loop is focused on auditory information and verbal processing, the central executive serves as a control system that manages the allocation of resources among the different components of working memory, and chunking is a strategy for organizing information into manageable units but is not a separate component of working memory. Understanding the specific functions of each element within working memory is crucial for comprehending how we process and retain different types of information.