Multi-Store Model (A02)

Multi-Store Model (A02)

1. Strengths

   • Suggests that STM and LTM are joined by encoding and retrieval
     • explains how we can remember memories from new info because they are connected
   • Important contribution to memory research
     • enabled psychologists to construct testable models of memory
       • e.g. Working Memory - Baddeley and Hitch (1974) which builds on the ideas in the multi-store model BUT more depth into certain areas such as STM which decided not a unitary store
   • Supporting research giving evidence that stores are separate
     • Glanzer and Cunitz (1966) serial recall test
       • remembered the first and last words in list but not middle
         • showed primacy and recency effect
           • shows first words have been transferred to LTM and last words still in STM, suggesting two stores

2. Weaknesses

   • Much of supporting evidence comes from lab setting
     • lack ecological validity
       • alter behaviour - may make them nervous or want to perform better so try harder
         • results less valid
   • LTM as unitary store questioned
     • Clive Wearing
       • lost part of LTM
       • not able to remember episodes in own life but can remember wife
       • suggests more than one store in LTM otherwise would not be able to remember anything.