The Multi Store Model

What is the Multi Store model of memory ?

• representation of how memory works in terms of 3 stores 

• describes how info is transferred from one store to the other 

• what makes memories last or disappear 

What are some examples of sensory stores?

what passes into the sensory store ?

all stimuli from environment

what is modality specific in each store in sensory register ?

coding 

what is the store coding for visual information called?

iconic memory

what is duration like in the sensory store? specifically iconic and echoic memory ?

very brief

• 0.05 secs for iconic 

• 3 secs for echoic 

What is capacity like in the sensory store ? give an example

very large

• over hundreds of millions of cells in one eye , each storing data 

what is the key process in transferring memory further into memory system ?

attention

how is information coded mainly in STM?

acoustically

what is the duration in STM?

18 seconds

what is the capacity of the STM?

5-9 items

what process allows info to be retained in STM?

maintenance rehearsal

what happens if info is rehearsed long enough ?

passes into LTM

how is info coded in LTM?

semantically

what is LTM duration and capacity ?

• up to a lifetime 

• unlimited 

what has to happen when info is recalled ?

transfers back to STM - retrieval

what area of the brain plays major role in memory ?

hippocampus

What case study supports the MSM?

the case of H.M

what was H.M’s case ?

• he underwent brain surgery that was not understood fully 

• his hippocampus was removed to try to relieve epilepsy

• his memory was assessed in 1955 , he thought it was 1953 and he was 2 years younger .

• he couldnt form new LTMs , however did well on tests of immediate memory span , a measure of STM

How does the MSM have support from research ? - strength 

• shows evidence of separate stores 

• Squire (2009) reviewed neuroimaging studies that compared brain areas associated with STM and LTM.

• Results found prefrontal cortex is active in STM tasks

• hippocampus is involved in LTM tasks 

• Shows that STM and LTM are independent stores 

what is a counterpoint for Squire’s findings and therefore limitation of MSM?

Ranganath and Blumenfeld (2005)

• argue this is oversimplified view

• there is overlap between brain regions that support STM and LTM 

• eg hippocampus is involved in STM tasks especially complex new info 

• clear cut definitions aren’t as strong as assumed 

What is another limitation of the MSM ?

• evidence for more than one STM store

• Shallow and Warrington - case of K.F with amnesia after accident 

• his STM for digits was poor when read aloud but recall better when he read them 

• MSM is wrong in claiming that there is just one store in STM  processing different types of info .