The Multi-Store Model Of Memory

What is the multi-store model?

A representation of how memory works in terms of three stores called the sensory registor, STM and LTM. IT also describes how information is transferred from one store to another, what makes some memories last and what makes some dissapear.

Who devised the multi-store model?

Atkinson and Shiffrin (1971).`

Where does all stimuli from the envionment pass into?

The sensory registor.

What is the sensory registor?

The memory stores for each of our five senses.

What is coding in the sensory store?

Modality-specific (depending on the sense).

What is the duration of the sensory register?

It is very brief - less than half a second.

What is the capacity of the sensory register?

Very high.

When will information pass further into the memory system from the sensory register?

If you pay attention into it.

Where does information go from the sensory register?

The STM.

What is the STM?

The temporary memory store where coding is acoustic, capacity is limited (7 plus or minus 2) and duration is around 18 seconds.

What is maintenance rehearsal?

When information is repeated over and over again.

When will information move from the STM to the LTM?

If we rehearse it long enough.

What is the LTM?

The potential permanent memory store where coding is semantic, duration is for a lifetime and capacity is unlimited

What happens when we want to recall information from the LTM?

It has to be transferred back into the STM, by a process called retrieval.

What is the strength of the multi-store model?

Research support.

How is research support a strength of the multi-store model?

Baddley found that when using our STMs, we tend to mix up acoustically similar words and when using out LTMs, we tend to mix up semantically similar words.

What does research support say about the multi-store model?

That STM and LTM are seperate and independent memory stores, as claimed by the MSM.

What is the counterpoint to the research support of the MSM?

In everyday life, we form memories related to all sorts of things (e.g names and faces) but many of the studies that support the MSM use non eof these materials, instead using consonant syllables, digits and letters that have no meaning.

What does the counterpoint to the research support mean?

That the MSM may not be a valid model of how memory works in our everyday lives where we have to remember much more meaningful information.

What are the limitations of the MSM?

• Evidence of more that one STM store.

• Elaborative rehearsal.

How is evidence of more that one STM store a limitation of the MSM?

Shallice and Warrington (1970) studied KF, who had amnesia. His STM for digits was very poor when they were read out loud but his recall was much better when he read the digits to himself. Further studies if KF and others showed that there could be another STM store for non-verbal sounds.

What does evidence of more than one STM store suggest about the STM?

That it is wrong in claiming that there is just one STM store processing different types of information.

How is elaborative rehearsal a limitation of the MSM?

According to the MSM, what matters about rehearsal is the amount - the more you do, the more likely it is to transfer but Craik and Watkins (1973) found that the type of rehearsal is more important than the amount. Elaborative rehearsal is needed for long-term storage.

What is elaborative rehearsal?

When you link the information to your existing knowledge, or you think about what it means.

What does elaborative rehearsal suggest about the MSM?

It means that information can be transferred witout prolonged rehearsal, suggesting that the MSM does not fuly explain how long-term storage is achieved.