Multi-store model of memory

• Strength of the MSM (provided a systematic account of the structures and the process involved in human memory)

  paved the way for Tulip and Baddeley

  • led to detailed understanding of memory
  • agree that each store has different features.
• limitation of the MSM - evidence challenging that the STM is a unitary store.


  Shallice and Warrington found in the study of KF

  • couldn't remember when digits were read to him but could when he read the digits himself.
  • both STM tasksevidence that the STM is not a unitary store (perhaps separate stores for auditory and visual info)
• Strength of MSM (research support)


  the study of H.M; couldn't form new LTM but completed STM tests- supports the MSM because if memory was unitary, STM and LTM would both be affetcted.

  • BUT cannot be generalised to the wider population ( people without brain damage)
• long-term memory

  CAPACITY- unlimited

  CODING- semantic (in terms of reading)

  DURATION- lifetime
• short-term memory

  CAPACITY - limited, 7 +/- 2, "chunks"

  CODING- auditory

  DURATION- 18-30 sec
• sensory register

  CAPACITY- very large

  CODING - sense specific iconic (visual),echoic (auditory)

  DURATION- very limited
• Multi-store model