Multi-store model criticisms

Multi-store model criticisms

1. model is too rigid and ignores individual differences

   • assumes each person's memory system has the same structure
   • does not explain why some people have better memories than others
   • some people must have a greater capacity for memories than others
   • some people have good memories for certain types of information, other people for other types

2. model oversimplifies short term memory and long term memory

   • STM not just a passive store where information passes through
     • more active than this
     • can deal with different types of inputs at the same time
   • different types of long term stores
     • autobiographical events
     • procedures
     • general knowledge

3. model overemphasises role of rehearsal

   • not all information stored in long term memory has to be rehearsed
     • may rehearse something like a telephone number or person's name
       • help us remember it
       • however, do not rehearse things like smells and taste
     • a lot of information in LTM because it has meaning (see LOP theory), not because it has been rehearsed

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