5A Atkinson-Shiffrin multi-store model of memory

Memory

the process of encoding, storing, and retrieving information that has been previously encountered.

Atkinson-Shiffrin multistore model of memory

a model of memory which outlines the three separate stores of memory (sensory, short

Processes involved in the Atkinson-Shiffrin model of memory

1. All incoming info enters sensory memory

• If sensory memory attended to -> converted to a useable form + transferred to S.T.M.

• Sensory memory - a store of memory which very briefly stores raw info detected by the senses.

2. Short-term memory - a store of memory that temporarily stores a limited amount of info that is consciously being attended to and actively manipulated.

• Rehearsal - a controlled process which involves consciously repeating/manipulating info in S.T.M.

• Rehearsal can ↑ likelihood of info being encoded (transferred) into L.T.M.

3. Encoding - process of converting info into a useable form which can be manipulated and stored in the brain

• Info from STM is encoded into LTM

• Therefore, LTM = memory store in which relatively permanent storage occurs

• Long-term memory - a store of memory in which a potentially unlimited amount of info is stored for a relatively permanent amount of time

• Storage - the retention of info over time

4. Info stored in LTM can also be retrieved.

• Retrieval - process of assessing info that has been stored in LTM and bringing it into our conscious awareness in STM

Sensory memory + examples + notes

Sensory memory - store of memory which very briefly stores raw info detected by the senses

• 'entry point' for memory (bc all info which is stored must be detected by senses)

• Info is exact replica of what is in environment -> not undergone process of being encoded

• Has unlimited capacity -> no limit to how much can hold -> but duration = extremely brief - varies b/w 0.2-4 seconds

• We don't pay attention to all the info

  • Only info that's attended to -> transferred to STM for processing

  • If sensory memory not attended to -> completely lost

Examples:

• Faces of classmates after directly looking at them

• Sound of a bird chirping outside just after you hear it

• Tag of your clothing you may feel rubbing against your skin

• Scent of deodorant when you spray it

• Taste of food when you're eating lunch

Short-term memory + notes + 2 extra terms

Short-term memory - a store of memory that temporarily stores a limited amount of info that is consciously being attended to and actively manipulated.

• Info in STM can come both from sensory or long-term memory

• Info from sensory memory (which you have paid attention to) will move into STM

• Info from LTM (that you retrieve) can move to conscious awareness (therefore exist in STM)

 

• STM aka 'working memory' bc you're aware of all info held in this memory store + are consciously manipulating ('working') on it.

  • limited capacity of 5-9 items (no. of items that can be actively 'worked on' at any one time)

  • Duration of STM = 18-30 secs for most people

    • Info begins to fade after 18-20secs -> but possible for some info to remain in STM up to 30secs

• Manipulating info involve updating, adding, changing info in some way

  • Involves process of rehearsal -> indv. can rehearse info by repeating it/linking to other pieces of info prev. learnt

  • Helps encode info from STM into LTM where it can be stored.

• If info in STM is not processed and encoded into LTM, it can be:

  • Displacement - pushed out by new incoming info

  • Decay - fade away on its own after duration of STM has expired

Long-term memory + notes

LTM - a store of memory in which a potentially unlimited amount of info is stored for a relatively permanent amount of time

• Contains all info retained from past events + knowledge of facts

• These memories undergone process of being encoded from STM + exist in useable form

• This info is further processed into diff. types of LTM + organised in diff parts of the brain

• This info in LTM can be retrieved + brought into STM

• Capacity potentially unlimited

  • Info stored in LTM not in conscious awareness

  • We don't have capacity to retrieve all the info

  • Sometimes unable to retrieve + access info in LTM bc we are unaware of how to retrieve or not prompted by right retrieval cues.

• Duration of LTM is relatively permanent -> (theoretically) info can be stored in LTM forever

  • BUT research is still being conducted

Strengths of the Atkinson-Shiffrin model

• Distinguishes b/w diff. stores involved in memory

• Outlines that each memory store has diff. capacity + duration

• Provides good understanding of structure + process of memory

• Findings from memory studies support distinction b/w STM and LTM outlined in model

• Can help explain why amnesia patients may have difficulty retrieving memories from LTM or encoding memories from STM to LTM

Limitations of the Atkinson-Shiffrin model

• May be considered to be oversimplified

• STM = more complex than model suggests. -> proposed that STM is not just a singular store but rather encompasses diff. components w/in it.

• Ignores factors (e.g. motivation + strategy) which can facilitate learning + assist in encoding info from STM to LTM

• Initially, model proposed that rehearsal = necessary for info to be transferred into LTM -> BUT studies show it can occur without rehearsal

• Doesn't account for indv. differences in memory processes, storage duration + capacity.