Multi-store model - capacity, duration, coding

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CODING - the format in which information is stored in memory

Sensory Register

Each of the 5 senses codes its information according for exam;

Iconic memory - codes visual information visually

Echoic memory - codes sound & auditory information acoustically

Short Term Memory

Information in STM is coded acoustically (by sound)

Long Term Memory

Information in LTM is coded semantically (by meaning)

CAPACITY - how much information can be held in the store at one time

Sensory Register

Very high capacity e.g. over 1 million cells in one eye, each storing data

Short Term Memory

5-9 items (7 give or take 2 items)

Long Term Memory

Potentially unlimited capacity

DURATION - the length of time information can be held in the memory store for

Sensory Register

Very brief, less than half a second (0.5 seconds)

Short Term Memory

Limited duration (approximately 18-30 seconds)

Long Term Memory

Potentially unlimited duration