multi store model of memory

• What is the MSM?

  A cognitive explanation of memory.
• Who devised the MSM?

  Atkinson & Shiffrin (1968)
• What does the MSM focus on?


  The MSM focuses on the way memory works as a process in the mind.
• How does information flow in the MSM?

  Through a series of storage systems in a linear fashion.
• What are the storage systems in the MSM?

  Sensory register, short-term memory, and long-term memory.
• How does information move from sensory register to short-term memory?

  Through attention.
• How does information move from short-term memory to long-term memory?

  Via rehearsal.
• What is the Sensory Register?

  The first storage system within the multi-store model.
• What are the stores within the sensory register?

  One for each of the five senses.
• What happens to the information not paid attention to in the sensory register?

  It fades quickly through trace decay.
• How is information coded in the sensory register?

  Modality specific - stored in the same way as inputted from the senses.
• What is the capacity of the sensory register?

  Very high, for example, over 100 million cells in one eye.
• What is the duration of the echoic store?

  2 seconds.
• What is the duration of the iconic store?

  500 milliseconds (half a second).
• What is the duration of sensory memory stores?

  Different for different stores.
• What is short-term memory?

  Temporarily stored information from sensory register.
• What is the nature of short-term memory?

  Active and changing memory system.
• How is information coded in short-term memory?

  Acoustic coding.
• What is the capacity of short-term memory?

  7 +/- 2 items (Miller's Magic Number).
• How can the capacity of short-term memory be improved?

  Via chunking.
• What is the duration of short-term memory?

  Roughly 30 seconds.
• How can the duration of short-term memory be improved?

  Via rehearsal.
• What is long-term memory?

  Memory stored over long periods of time.
• How long does information need to be stored to be considered long-term memory?

  Longer than 30 seconds.
• What are the stages of memory that information passes through before reaching long-term memory?

  Sensory register and short-term memory.
• Is long-term memory a passive or active memory store?

  Active, it may change over time.
• What is the main type of coding in long-term memory?

  Semantic coding.
• What is the capacity of long-term memory?

  Unlimited.
• How can information be lost from long-term memory?

  Decay and interference.
• Can memories be lost from long-term memory due to lack of capacity?


  No.
• How long can long-term memories last?

  A lifetime.
• Does information in long-term memory need to be rehearsed to be retained?


  No.
• What is the Multi-store Model (MSM)?

  Memory model that suggests memory is linear.
• What is the sensory register?

  First stage of the MSM, where sensory information is briefly stored.
• What is short-term memory (STM)?

  Second stage of the MSM, where information is temporarily stored.
• What is long-term memory (LTM)?

  Third stage of the MSM, where information is stored for a longer duration.
• What is Clive Wearing's case?

  Supporting evidence for the MSM, experienced memory loss in both STM and LTM.
• How long was Clive Wearing's STM duration?

  Only 7 seconds.
• What happened to Clive Wearing's LTM?

  Unable to transfer any new long-term memories since his illness.
• How does Clive Wearing support the MSM?

  Memory is linear, information must go through sensory register and STM to reach LTM.