Multi-Store Model

• Multi-Store Memory Model

  
• Sensory Memory

  Encodes according to the modality of stimulus (Smell, taste, sound)

  Duration of 0.5 seconds and unlimited capacity
• Sensory Memory is modality-specific and stores sensory information
• Elaborative rehearsal consolidates short term memory into the Long Term
• A sequential process
• Information flows in a linear fashion
• Strength - Case study evidence

  Clive Wearing had an intact short term memory, but damaged long term - suggests they’re separate stores so reinforces credibility of MSMM

  However, Wearing had memories of how to play piano but not important life events - suggesting LTM is not unitary since these are different stores of memory

  Partial support for MSM
• Evaluation - Serial Position technique

  Presented with a list of words and asked to recall them once all words have been said

  Shown we remember start and end of word lists (primary and Recency effect)

  Suggests STM and LTM are seperate stores

  However word lists lack mundane realism and ecological validity
• Flashbulb Memories - Weakness

  Sudden, vivid memories which are resistant to forgetting - suggests rehearsal is not the only way of transferring from STM to LTM, contrary to MSM
• Clive Wearing

  Strength of MSM - STM wasn’t damaged but LTM was

  Limitation of MSM - LTM isn't a unitary store, theres different stores