Memory (A01)

Memory (A01)

1. Multistore model (Atkinson & Shiffrin

   • Memory consists of 3 distinct categories
     • They proposed that information passes through each stage in a fixed sequence
       • Info first enters the sensory memory via one of the 5 senses (ie ehoic/iconic)
         • Only infor which is attended to will pass onto the STM
           • Info that is rehearsed will transfer to LTM other info will be forgotten
   • There are key differences between STM & LTM in terms of:
     • Capacity- How much info can be stored STM: 5-9 items. LTM: Unlimited
       • Duration- How long info lasts- STM: 18 Sec. LTM: Indefinate
         • Encoding- The form in which info is stored e.g by sound of words- STM: Acoustically. LTM- Semantically
     • Miller Chunking theory (capacity STM) Peterson Nonsense Triagram (duration STM) Bahrick et al (duration LTM) Baddley (encoding LTM)

2. Working Memory Model (Baddely & Hitch)

   • Proposed that STM was not a unitary system as the Multi- Store Model suggested. Instead it consisted of 3 componenets
     • Central executive: This is the main control system it controls the other 2 components
       • It deals with more demanding info (higher order thinking) - processing tasks e.g. problem solving
         • The slave systems work independently of one another
           • Phonological loop: this is sometimes referred as the 'inner ear' as it deals with auditory information. It has 2 parts
             • 1)Arcticulatory control system- referred to as the 'inner voice' , where sub-vocal rehearsal takes place
               • 2) Phonological store- where auditory info is held for a short period of time
                 • Visuo- Spatial sketchpad- sometimes called the 'inner eye'
                   • This stores visual infromation which helps you identify items and colours
                     • Also gives info on our surroundings
   • All 3 parts to the WMM have a limited capacity and duratation as this is a model of STM

3. Eye witness testimony

   • Loftus: Leading questions