Multi store model of memory

• What three components is the MSM made of?


  • sensory register
  • short term memory
  • long term memory
• Encoding

  • the way info is changed so that it can be stored
• duration

  • the period of time information can last in memory stores
• Capacity

  • how much information can be stored
• Sensory register

  Coding: sense specific

  Capacity: all sensory experience

  Duration: 1/2 second
• Short term memory

  Coding: acoustic information - auditory

  Capacity: 7 +/- 2 items

  Duration: 0-18 seconds
• Long term memory

  • Coding: semantic info
  • Capacity: unlimited
  • Duration: unlimited
• Research

  • KF brain study
• Strengths

  • gives and understanding of structure and process of short term memory
  • Influential as has generated lots of evidence on memory
• Weaknesses

  • oversimplified when it suggests LTM and STM are separate stores
  • more complicated than once previously thought
• application: HM case study

  • suffered epilepsy and had brain surgery to remove hippocampus.
  • he could remember some past events from before the surgery (LTM) but could not form new memories
  • suggests STM could not be transferred to LTM.
• application: Baddeley


  • tested the recall of 4 groups of participants
  • similar sounding words were mixed up when using STM
  • similar meaning words were mixed up when using LTM
  • clear distinction between STM and LTM