Atkinson-Shiffrin multi-store Model of Memory

Memory

An information processing system that receives, organises, stores and recovers information.

Processes of Memory

Encoding, Storage, Retrieval

Encoding

Conversion of information into a usable, storable form.

Storage

Retention of stored information over time.

Retrieval

The recovery of stored information to conscious awareness.

Multi storm model of memory

System of storing memory through coding, storage and retrieval into sensory, short term and long term memory.

Sensory Memory

Unconsciously receives and briefly holds sensory information via sensory organs

Short term memory

Working memory, consciously attends to information from Sensory Memory and LTM.

Long term memory

Relatively permanent storehouses of information which can be accessed

Sensory Memory Capacity

Unlimited

STM Capacity

5-9 Bits

LTM Capacity

Potentially Unlimited

Sensory Memory Duration

0.2 - 4 seconds

STM Duration

18 - 30 seconds

LTM Duration

Relatively permanent

Rehearsal

Helps encode information from STM to LTM by Repeating or linking information to already learnt information.

STM Displacement

The replacement of unprocessed and unencoded information in STM with new, incoming information.

STM Decay

Fading away of unprocessed and not encoded information from STM after duration has expired.

STM Encoding Techniques

Chunking, Maintenance Rehearsal, Elaborative rehearsal

Strengths of Atkinson Shiffrin Model of memory

• distinguishes between different stores of memory

• Outlines that each store has a different capacity and duration

• Provides good understanding of structure and process of memory

• Supports distinction between STM and LTM, helps explain why amnesia patients may have difficulty between them.

Limitations of Atikinson Shiffrin model of memory

• may be oversimplified

• STM is more complex than model suggests

• Ignores factors such as as motivation and strategy on assisting learning and encoding info from STM to LTM.

• Initially proposed rehearsal was necessary for trsferring info to LTM, contradicting studies