The Multistore Model

Sensory Memory

Short Term Memory

Long Term Memory

Attention

Rehearsal Loop

Sensory Information

Sensory info from the environment

Encoding - sensory info eg.visual

Storage Duration - few seconds

Storage Capacity - 3-4 items

Forgetting - decay if not paid attention

Encoding - attention (acoustic and verbal format)

Storage Duration - 15 seconds

Storage Capacity - 7 (+/- 2) items

Forgetting - Displacement

Encoding - semantic (meaning)

Storage Duration - limitless

Storage Capacity - limitless

Forgetting - decay over time

Evaluation

+ There is evidence for a distinction between STM and LTM eg. Clive Wearing.

+ Neurological evidence to support the model eg. HM - unable to transfer information from STM to LTM.

- HM shows evidence for more than one LTM store as he learnt new skills eg. mirror drawing.

- In real life, people do not need to rehearse in order to store infomation in the LTM.

An alternative theory is the Working Memory Model