Multi-Store Model of Memory

Multi-Store Model of Memory

1. Evaluation

   • +/- K.F Case study by Shallice & Warrington (1970)
     • K.F's memory was impaired as a result of a motorbike accident
       • SUPPORT: reduced STM (capacity of 1-2 digits), yet his LTM was normal
         • Shows LTM and STM must be located in different areas of the brain (increases validity)
       • CHALLENGE: Deficits in STM were only for verbal info (visual and acoustic STM was normal)
         • Shows the STM model is oversimplified (reduces validity)
   • +/- Clive Wearing Caste Study by Blakemore (1988)
     • Clive has virtually no LTM since a virus destroyed part of his brain.
       • SUPPORT: His STM still works
         • Show the STM and LTM are separate (increases validity)
       • CHALLENGES: Clive can remember how to walk, talk and can recall basic facts about anything other than himself
         • Suggests that the LTM store in the model is oversimplified (decreases validity)
   • + Serial position effect experiment
     • • Supports the separated STM & LTM shown in the model
         • Due to the Primacy & Recency effects
       • Supports the theories of decay, displacement and transfers (rehearsal & storage)
         • Due to the losses seen in the middle of the recalled word lists are they are more likely to suffer from decay or displacement or in transition between stores (rehearsal and storage)

2. ·

   • Memory is gained from the environment via the 5 senses.
     • At first it is used in sensory memory which acts as a filter
       • If no attention is paid then the information is lost
         • But if attention is paid then it is passed into the STM
           • STM's function is for our consciousness
             • It decays after 30 seconds or is displaced within the limited capacity of 7+/- 2 items
               • This process can be stopped with the rehearsal loop which acts to change the code to be semantic
                 • Can now be stored in the LTM
                   • Information here can still be lost due to Interference or retrieval failure
                     • However, the memory can be retrieved and used in the STM for present use where it can decay or be displaced
                       • But is still occupying the LTM

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