multi-store memory model

• mutli store model

  •  Representation of how memory works in terms of 3 stores
  • Describes how information is passed from 1 store to another
• sensory register

  • All stimuli from the environment is passed into the sensory register
  • Memory store for each of our 5 senses
  • Coding in each store is modality – specific
  • Duration very brief – less than half a second
  • very high capacity
  • Information passes further into the memory system only if you pay attention to it
• STM

  • Coded mainly acoustically and lasts around 18 seconds unless its rehearsed
  • Temporary memory store
  • Limited capacity store between 7 +/-2
• LTM

  • Potentially permanent memory store for information that has been rehearsed for a prolonged time
  • Coded mostly semantically
  • when we want to recall information from LTM it has to be transferred back into STM by retrieval
• evaluation

  • research support
  • more than 1 STM store
  • elaborative rehearsal
• research support

  • shows that STM and LTM are different
  • Baddeley found we tend to mix words that sound similar when using our STM
  • mix words that have similar meaning when we use our LTM
  • Shows LTM and STM are separate independent memory stores, claimed by the MSM
• research support counterpoint

  • everyday life we form memories related to all sorts of useful things – names, faces
  • studies that support MSM used none of these materials
  • Used digits, letters (Jacob) and sometimes words (Baddeley)
  • Used consonant syllables – have no meaning
  • Means that MSM may not be valid model of how memory works in our everyday life where we have to remember meaningful information
• more than 1 STM store

  • Shallice and Warrington studied a client with amnesia
  • STM for digits was poor when read aloud to him but good when he read them himself
  • Shows MSM is wrong in claiming that there is just 1 STM store processing different types of information.
• elaborative rehearsal

  • Prolonged rehearsal isn’t needed to transfer to LTM
  • according to MSM what matters about rehearsal is the amount of it (the more you rehearse something the more likely it goes to your LTM) – prolonged rehearsal
  • Craik and Watkins found the type of rehearsal is more important than the amount
  • elaborative rehearsal is needed for long-term storage
  • occurs when you link information of existing knowledge
  • suggests MSM doesn’t fully explain how LT storage is achieved