Multi-Store Model of Memory

Multi-Store Model of Memory

1. Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968)

2. Proposed that there was 3 memory stores: Sensory, Short term and Long term

3. The Sensory Memory

   • The initial store of memory
   • It constantly receives information. Most receives no attention and only remains for a brief period

4. MSM is an explanation of how memory processes work

5. The Short Term Memory

   • When attention is focused on a sensory memory it is transferred to the STM, where it is stored acoustically
   • Limited store for attended information, can hold around 7 chunks of information for between 18-30 seconds
   • Information is in a 'fragile' state and can disappear quickly if it is not rehearsed
   • Information can also be displaced if new information enters

6. The Long Term Memory

   • Material that is rehearsed in STM is passed into the LTM
   • The more something is rehearsed the more lasting the memory will be.
   • Potentially has unlimited capacity- memories may last a lifetime
   • Memories are held in semantic form- what is stored is the meaning of items

7. Evaluation

   • Strengths
     • Lab experiments- extraneous variables controlled- allows cause and effect conclusions
     • MSM has clear predictions about memory- psychologists can conduct studies to test it
     • Really influential and sparked debate
     • Provides an account of memory in terms of structure and processes. Structure- 3 stores. Processes- attention and verbal rehearsal
     • Brain damaged patients show one store can be damaged but not another. eg. Clive or HM
     • Peterson and Peterson- blocking rehearsal leads to poor recall
     • Glanzer and Cunitz- got people to recall a list of words they'd read- first and last words recalled best (in STM or LTM) Words in middle still being processed
   • Weaknesses
     • Over simplifies memory structures and processes
     • MSM describes LTM as on single store- investigations with amnesia patients suggests otherwise
     • Schachter et al- suggested that there is more than one store; Semantic store- knowledge about words; Episodic- memory of something you did in the past; and Procedural- memories such as riding a bike- 'never forget'.
     • Logie pointed out that STM relies on LTM so can't come first-links between the two.
     • Maintenance rehearsal is not the only way of creating LTM. Craik and Lockhart replace 'maintenance' for 'elaborative' rehearsal- requires deeper/more semantic analysis
     • Evidence from brain damaged patients shows STM and LTM aren't just one store
       • eg. KF- short term isn't just one store- he could rememeber things from visual but not from acoustic
     • Lab experiement- lacks ecological validity- not representative of real life