Multi-store Model (Atkinson and Shiffrin, 1968)

Multi-store Model (Atkinson and Shiffrin, 1968)

1. Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968) proposed that memory consists of information flowing through three different stages. The information that comes into acquisition will first enter a temporary storage system known as the sensory memory, in the sensory memory information is kept for less than few seconds. Relevant information is processed in a nonsensory format and it is then passed on to the short term memory. In the short term memory information is kept for more than a few seconds and further processing takes place if the individual makes an effort to keep the information in memory. Finally the processed information is passed on to the long term memory, in here the information is consolidated and can stay in the memory for hours, day, weeks or years

2. Sensory Stores

   • Iconic Memory: A sensory store that holds visual information for approximately 500 milliseconds (Sperling, 1960) or perhaps longer. Is very useful because the mechanisms responsible for visual perception always operate on the icon
     • Persuh et al (2012) found out that storage of information in iconic memory was severely distrupted if participants engaged in an attentionally demanding task at the same time
   • Echoic Memory: A sensory store that holds auditory information approximately two seconds.
     • Ioannides et al (2003) measured brain activation when tones were activated. The duration of echoic memory was longer in the left hemisphere than the right. This difference probably reflects the dominance of the left hemisphere in language processing