Memory Models

• The basic Atkinson and Shiffren's multi store model describes memory as essentially a three stage process: Sensory Memory (Short Term Sensory Store), Short Term Memory (Working Memory), Long Term Memory.
• Encoding involves the conversion of information into codes called visual codes, auditory codes and semantic codes. Encoding allows information to be transferred from the short-term memory to the long-term memory.
• Storage concerns the retention of information over a period of time. This is within the long-term memory.
• Retrieval involves recovering the information that has been stored. This is done by decoding information held in the long-term memory and passing it back to the short-term memory. The success of this retrieval depends on how well known the information is and how much there is of it.
• All information from the senses is passed through the sensory memory.
• Information is kept in the sensory memory for upto 1 second. If the information is not considered important, it is lost and forgotten and will be replaced by new information.
• A process called selective attention selects the relevant information to pass to the short-term memory and disregards the irrelevant information.
• Information can be held in the short-term memory for upto 30 seconds.
• In the short-term memory we can store 5-9 pieces of information according to theorists. This can be increased using various strategies like chunking.
• In the short-term memory, the information can be used to solve a problem or to accomplish a task. Perception is important - whereby information is interpreted and made sense of.
• Some information will be stored in the long-term memory for future use. If the information is not important it will be forgotten.
• Short-term memory receives information back from the long-term memory when a past experience or prior learning is retrieved to help with a present situation.
• The long-term memory is a store of encoded past-experiences and motor programmes which have been very well learned.
• The duration of the long-term memory is indefinite, perhaps permanent.
• The capacity of the long-term memory has an unlimited capacity.
• Information is stored in code in the long-term memory.
• Selective attention is when relevant information is focussed on and irrelevant information is ignored.
• Selective attention can be improved by emphasising correct stimuli.
• Selective attention can be improved by limiting the cues.
• Selective attention can be improved by reducing the significant points given at one time.
• Selective attention can be improved by making the stimulus stand out.
• Selective attention can be improved by using language suited to the level of the performer.
• Selective attention can be improved by giving lots of practice.
• Craik and Lockhart's level of processing model was created in 1972.
• The level of processing model opposes the view that there are set memory stores as shown by the multi-store model, it seeks to explain what we do with the information rather than how it is stored.
• The level of processing model says that information received by the brain will be transferred to the long term memory and remembered if the information is considered, understood and has meaning.
• The level of processing model identifies 3 possible levels related to the processing of verbal information. Structural level is paying attention to what the words look like. Phonetic level is processing the sounds of words. Semantic level considers the actual meaning of words.
• An advantage of Atkinson and Shiffren's multi store model is it simplifies the memory process to aid understanding.
• A disadvantage of Craik and Lockharts level of processing model is it does not take into account external factors such as motivation or emotion which may affect performance.
• An advantage of Atkinson and Shiffron's multi-store model is it explains how those with brain damage may have dysfunctional memory of amnesia by showing the distinctions between LTM and STM.
• An advantage of Atkinson and Shiffren's multi-store model is it gives a realistic answer to how an individual deals with an filters lots of information from the environment.
• An advantage of Atkinson and Shiffren's multi-store model is the long-term memory explains how an individual can perform a skill they haven't done in a long time.
• A disadvantage of Atkinson and Shiffren's multi-store model is it is too simplified.
• A disadvantage of Atkinson and Shiffren's multi-store model is it doesn't effectively prove the distinction between short-term memory and long-term memory.
• An advantage of Craik and Lockhart's level of processing model is it explains well that if we understand information more we are more likely to remember it.
• An advantage of Craik and Lockhart's level of processing model is the longer we consider and analyse information the more we remember it.
• A disadvantage of Craik and Lockhart's level of processing model is the longer time it taked to process information doesn't always lead to better recall.
• A disadvantage of Craik and Lockhart's level of processing model is it has difficulty in defining what 'deep' processing actually involves.
• A disadvantage of Craik and Lockhart's level of processing model is it doesn't take into account individual differences and effort levels.