The Multi-Store Model of Memory

Multi-Store Model

What is the multi-store model of memory?

MSM was proposed by Atkinson and Shriffin in 1968

Capacity

A measure of how much information can be held in the memory. Represented in terms of bits of information, such as the digits of numbers

Duration

A measure of how long information can be stored for, before it isn’t available

Coding

The way information is changed for it to be stored in your memory. Information enters the brain via sense. Stored in various forms, acoustic codes or semantic codes

Sensory register

Where all sensory information from the environment is held. There are stores within the brain for each sense

Sensory register - coding

Depends on the sense involved, modality specific

Sensory register - capacity

Very high, constantly receiving information

Sensory register - duration

Only holds sensory information for milliseconds. The brain can’t retain all of the data that is received

Attention

Connects the SR to the STM and if attention is paid to the information, it is passed to the STM

Short term memory

Information held in the STM is used for present and immediate tasks

Short term memory - coding

Normally acoustic (sound)

Short term memory - capacity

Limited, only a certain number of items can be remembered

Short term memory - duration

Limited, around 18 secs unless rehearsed. Temporary memory store

Rehearsal

Information to be passed from the STM to LTM

Maintenance rehearsal

A surface-level repetition of the information

Elaborative rehearsal

Involves deeper processing

Long term memory

A permanent memory store. To recall information passed into LTM it must be accessed and transferred to STM - retrieval

Long term memory - coding

Coded semantically

Long term memory - capacity

Unlimited

Long term memory - duration

Thought to be for the lifetime of each individual and items in LTM may be prone to forgetting