Multi-Store Memory

What is the multi-store model?

An explanation of memory based on 3 separate memory stores and how info is transferred between these stores

What is the two ways information is processed here?

• linear

• Passive

What are the 3 stores?

• sensory memory (sensory register)

• Short term memory

• Long term memory

Define linear processing of information

Information moves through model in one direction from sensory memory to STM to LTM

Define passive processing of information

Learning just happens - rehearse enough information transfers to LTM

What are the features of each store?

• coding

• Capacity

• Duration

Define coding

The format the info is stored as

Define capacity

How much info can be held in store

Define duration

How long info can be retained for

Define sensory register

Where information is held at each of the senses - e.g. eyes, nose, fingers

What is the process of memory?

Sensory info - sensory memory - attention - STM - maintenance rehearsal - LTM

Describe the description of sensory register

• not under cognitive controls until we pay attention - transfers to STM

• Receives all sensory info from environment - very large capacity

• Duration = <250ms

• Coding = modality specific e.g. iconic, haptic

Describe the description of short term memory

• Info enters STM from SM when attention is paid

• Info used immediately tasks

• Coding = acoustically - according to how it sounds

• Duration = 18-30s

• Capacity = 5-9 items

• Info transferred to LTM for storage via maintenance rehearsal

  • Verbal rehearsal

  • More rehearsal = stronger memory

Describe the description of long term memory

• rehearsed info transferred to LTM

• Duration = permanent store

  • Unlimited duration

• Capacity = potentially unlimited

• Coding = semantic (meaning)

Why is paying attention important?

First step in remembering something

Define maintenance rehearsal

The more information is rehearsed, the better its remembered

Define retrieval

Process of getting info from LTM into STM

How does Glanzer and Cunitz support the MSM?

• P: serial position effect - primacy effect supports LTM & recency effect supports STM

• E: supports STM & LTM are separate stores

• T: serial position effect doesn’t exactly prove that there are literally 3 separate memory stores

How does HM support the MSM?

P: HM had his hippocampus removed to treated severe epilepsy

E:

• he could recall info pre-operation quite well - STM remained relatively intact

• he struggled to form new long term memories

T:

• supports LTM & STM as separate stores

• However HM’s case is unique & lacks generalibility

How does Baddeley challenge the MSM?

P: found STM can be faceted differently depending on the type of info remembered

E:

• suggests STM isn’t a unitary store

• Developed further by the working memory model

T: MSM is too simplistic as it treats STM as one single store

How does the role of rehearsal challenge the MSM?

P: MSM suggests rehearsal is key for transferring info into LTM

E: people can remember things not rehearsed e.g. significant life events

T:

• suggests meaningful processing trumps simply repeating info

• Weakens MSM’s explanation of how info enters LTM

Draw a diagram on the linear process of memory