Atkinson and Shiffrin's Multi-Store Memory Model

Multi store model

Information processing model that consists of an input, a central processing system and an output

Input when learning skills

Detection of cues or data from the environment

E.g. teammates or opponents in rugby

Input detected by sensory organs or receptors

This information moves to the sensory register

Sensory register when learning skills

Receives all information

Unlimited capacity and duration of up to one second

Selects only relevant information and filters out irrelevant information

Selective attention - if attention is paid, the information passed to the STM

STM when learning skills

Working memory

Receives selected information from sensory memory

Capacity of 7 ± 2 items and duration of up to 30 seconds

Information only stored if rehearsed

Information is perceived

LTM when learning skills

Receives rehearsed information from the STM

Unlimited capacity and duration

The longer information is stored, the stronger the memory trace becomes

Retention improved through chunking, repetition and mental rehearsal - if information is meaningful and there is motivation to learn

Information retrieved by STM for recall and response

Input when performing skills

All information in form of data or sensory cues detected from environmental display

E.g. when catching the ball, the cricketer will receive information about the ball, the batter and surrounding players

Sensory register when performing skills

All sensory cues or data received

Selective attention occurs so most relative cues receive focus - e.g. speed, direction and trajectory of the ball

All irrelevant cues filtered out - e.g. batters and other fielders

Relevant information attended to and passed to the STM

STM when performing skills

Perception occurs - e.g. interpret flight of ball to make the catch

Information or cues rehearsed - e.g. flight of ball remembered

Information chunked in the brain - e.g. trajectory of the ball

Information compared with that stored in the LTM

LTM when performing skills

Learned motor programmes of previous performances stored here

Rehearsed information received and past experiences compared and linked to current movement requirements

Successful performances will be remembered

Information is retrieved by the STM - e.g. the movement required for catching can now be performed

Selective attention

Helps to concentrate or focus on a specific cue

Filters out unnecessary information

Prevents overload - this speeds up the process and interaction between sensory memory, STM and LTM

Helps make the passage of information through model clear, which helps performance and learning