What type of memory does Baddeley's research primarily focus on?

Baddeley's research primarily focuses on working memory, which is a system that temporarily holds and manipulates information needed for complex cognitive tasks such as learning, reasoning, and comprehension. His model of working memory expanded the traditional concept of short-term memory by incorporating the active processing of information, rather than just the passive storage of it.

In his research, Baddeley proposed a multi-component model of working memory that consists of three main components: the phonological loop, the visuospatial sketchpad, and the central executive. This model illustrates how different types of information are processed and stored simultaneously, emphasizing the dynamic nature of cognition in real-time tasks. Baddeley's work significantly contributed to understanding cognitive functions, including how verbal and visual information is managed in the mind, and how this relates to overall intelligence and learning abilities.

While short-term memory and long-term memory are related concepts, they do not capture the active manipulation aspect that is central to working memory. Spatial memory, on the other hand, focuses specifically on knowledge of spatial relationships and navigational skills, which is a more limited aspect compared to the broader functions of working memory.