Atkinson-Shiffrin Multi-Store Model of Memory

5.2 Atkinson-Shiffrin Multi-Store Model of Memory

Overview

• The Atkinson-Shiffrin multi-store model explains encoding, storage, and retrieval of information in sensory, short-term, and long-term memory stores.

Key Components

• Function: Purpose and roles of each memory store.
• Capacity: The amount of information each store can hold.
• Duration: The length of time each store can hold information.

Memory Stores

• Memory consists of three separate stores:
  • Sensory memory
  • Short-term memory
  • Long-term memory
• These stores differ in function, capacity, and duration.

Processes of Memory

• Encoding: Converting raw information from stimuli into a usable form.
• Storage: Retaining encoded information for future access.
• Retrieval: Accessing previously stored information.

Sensory Memory

• Entry point for new, incoming sensory information.
• Information is stored in its original, raw state for a brief time.
• Types:
  • Iconic memory: Temporarily stores visual information.
  • Echoic memory: Temporarily stores auditory information.

Function

• Retains information detected by the senses in its raw sensory form.
• Information can be from the external or internal environment.

Capacity

• Unlimited

Duration

• Iconic memory: lasts for about 0.2 to 0.4 seconds.
• Echoic memory: stored for about 3 to 4 seconds.

Short-Term Memory (STM)

• Also known as working memory.
• A memory system with limited storage capacity.
• Information is stored for a relatively short time unless renewed.

Function

• Actively manipulates information received from sensory memory or long-term memory.
• Information is then encoded and moved to long-term memory or lost if not transferred.

Capacity

• 7 ± 2 items (or 5 to 9 items) can be held.

Duration

• Recall starts to decline and by about 18 seconds.

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

• A memory store that holds a potentially unlimited amount of information for a very long time, possibly permanently.

Types of Long-Term Memory

• Explicit Memory (Memory with awareness):
  • Episodic memory (personal experiences)
  • Semantic memory (facts and knowledge)
• Implicit Memory (Memory without awareness):
  • Procedural memory (skills for doing things)
  • Classically conditioned memory (conditioned responses to conditioned stimuli)

Function

• Stores information that can be retrieved for future use.
• Information is organized in different parts of the brain and processed into different types of long-term memories.
• Forms neural connections with other pieces of information already stored.

Capacity

• Potentially unlimited

Duration

• Relatively permanent

Additional Resources

• Jacaranda questions 5.2: LA 1, 2, 4, 6
• Edrolo 5A Atkinson-Shiffrin multi-store model of memory

Glossary

• Atkinson-Shiffrin multi-store model of memory
• Function
• Capacity
• Duration
• Encoding
• Storage
• Retrieval
• Sensory memory
• Iconic memory
• Echoic memory
• Short term memory
• Long term memory