Multi-Store Memory Model

Glanzer & Cunitz 1966

memory

a cognitive process

MSMM authors

Atkinson and Shiffrin

MSMM mechanism

memory storage of encoding, storing, and retrieving

MSMM model

sequential, flowing from one store to another, and illustrates the flow between three storage systems of memory: SR, STM, LTM

sensory register (SR)

receives and temporarily stores sensory information in an unprocessed form, encoding information; may be transferred to STM for conscious recall if there is enough attention to it

short-term memory

has a capacity to store 7 +/- 2 chunks of information for 15 to 30 seconds; may be encoded to LTM when it is constantly rehearsed through rehearsal, storing information

displacement decay

when new information or tasks interfere with or prevent the process of rehearsal, STM may become displaced or lost

long-term memory

capacity is unknown, but some assume it is infinite; recalling is also known as retrieval

aim

investigate the recency effect in free recall

procedure

the study was a lab experiment consisting of 46 enlisted army men

the participants were tested individually, having shown a 15-word list which was in randomized order every time

each word appeared individually on a screen for one second, with two-second intervals in between

for each word, the researcher read it out loud

when the slide was completed, the participants did one of the following

• participants wrote down the list of words straight away or had to count for either 10 or 30 seconds before writing down the words

results

when asked for immediate recall, both primacy (first word) and recency (last word) effects were shown

• the primacy effect is when the first words are remembered because of greater rehearsal time, possibly being encoded to LTM

• the recency effect is when the last words are remembered because of still being in the STM

with the 10 and 30-second distraction task, there was a significant reduction in the recency effect

tok link

make something intangible tangible; distinct primacy and recency effects, support the multi-store model of memory by suggesting separate short-term and long-term stores