multi-store model of memory

• Memory

  Our ability to encode, store, retain and recall information and past experiences in the human brain.
• Information processing


  The idea that info is processed in the brain in a linear way meaning that it flows through the brain in a way that seems logical.
• Encoding

  The way in which info is registered as a memory, e.g. by sound or smell.
• Storage


  How the info remains as a memory once it has been reigstered.
• Retrieval


  How we find and access stored memories.
• Capacity


  The size of the memory store; how much info it can hold.
• Duration


  How long info remains in the memory store.
• Claims

  To describe how info gets into the memory system (encoding), is stored temporarily (STM) and permanently (LTM) and how it gets out again (retrieval).
• Sensory memory store/sensory register

  • Is several memory stores, one for each of our five senses.
  • Capacity- very large (all sensory experience)
  • Encoding- modality specific- depends on the sense
  • Duration- very brief , from half a second (if visual) to 2secs.
  • Key process- attention- very little of what goes into the SSTM passes further into the memory system without attention.
• Short-term memory (STM)

  • Temporary store for info we pay attention to
  • Capacity- limited as it can only deal with 7+/-2 items or chunks of info
  • Encoding- acoustically (how it sounds)
  • Duration- 18-30secs
  • Key process- rehearsal- STM duration can be extended by maintenance rehearsal and material rehearsed long enough passes into LTM.
• Long-term memory (LTM)

  • Potentially permanent memory store for material that has been rehearsed.
  • Capacity- unlimited/infinite
  • Encoding- semantically (based on its meaning)
  • Duration- unlimited/ a lifetime
  • Material recalled from LTM has to be transferred back into STM, it is not recalled directly from LTM.
• Strengths

  • SE- HM, had a STM that functioned normally but was no longer able to rehearse info to create new LTM’s.
  • Credibility- evidence obtained from highly controlled lab experiment where participants memory ability is measured objectively.
  • UA- help people with dementia rehearse info by using memory aids e.g. diaries or rehearsal and repetitio.
• Weaknesses

  • Reductionist- isolates 3 memory stores and ignores other ways that memories can be created e.g. flashbulb memories.
  • RE- KF had a LTM that functioned normally despite his STM being damaged.
  • AE- WMM explores both visual and verbal memories whilst MSM just refers to STM in general.