The Multi-Store Model of Memory

The Multi-Store Model of Memory

1. Description

   • Sensory register- large capacity, very short duration (milliseconds)
   • Attention transfers information from sensory register to STM
   • STM- Limited capacity (5 items/chunks) so information decays, limited duration (minutes) unless rehearsed
   • Maintenance rehearsal eventually creates a LTM
   • Retrieval from LTM goes through the STM

2. Evaluation (strengths)

   • Support from lab studies
     • Jacobs, Miller, Peterson and Peterson, Bahrick, Baddeley
   • Support from brain scans
     • Beardsley linked STM to the prefrontal cortex
     • Squire et al linked LTM to the hippocampus
   • Support from case studies
     • Clive Wearing
     • Linked formation of new LTMs to the hippocampus

3. Evaluation (limitations)

   • MSM is too simple
     • STM and LTM are not unitary stores
   • LTM involves elaborative rather than just maintenance rehearsal

4. Further Evaluation

   • STM is not independent of LTM
     • Ruchkin et al- showed different brain activity for words and pseudo-words