Which component of working memory is specifically responsible for processing auditory information?

The phonological loop is the component of working memory specifically responsible for processing auditory information. It is part of Baddeley’s model of working memory and functions by storing and manipulating sounds, particularly language-related sounds. Within the phonological loop, there are two subcomponents: the phonological store, which holds auditory information for a short duration, and the articulatory rehearsal process, which allows for the repetition of sounds to maintain them in working memory. This is crucial for tasks that require verbal processing, such as understanding speech or remembering a series of words.

The other components serve different functions: the visuospatial sketchpad handles visual and spatial information, the central executive controls attention and coordinates activities between the phonological loop and the visuospatial sketchpad, while the buffering system, often seen in discussions of working memory, may refer to temporary storage but is not a specific term used in Baddeley’s model. Thus, the phonological loop’s primary role in auditory processing makes it the correct answer.