Models of memory

• Atkinson and shriffrin (1968) created the multistore model of memory
• Atkinson and shriffrin (1968) multistore model of memory: stages

  1. Sensory register
  2. Short term memory
  3. Long term memory
• Atkinson and shriffrin (1968) multistore model of memory: sensory register to short term memory

  The information we pay attention to in our senses goes into the short term memory
• Atkinson and shriffrin (1968) multistore model of memory: short term to long term

  If short term information is rehearsed theoretically it can be held in the long term memory forever
• Primacy effecton recall

  Ps can recall first few items on a list better than the middle ones.

  Multistore model says we rehearse the first items so they can go into the LTM.

  If rehearsal is prevented by interference, effect disappears
• Recency effect recall

  Ps remember last few items on a list better than the middle.

  The last few items may still be in the STM when the experimenter asks the Ps to recall the items
• Koraskoff syndrome effect on recall

  Able to recall last few items on a list hinting STM still works but LTM is poor supporting seperate sections in the model
• Miller et al (1957) HM case study

  Frequent epilepsy and seizures.

  Doctor removed hippocampus

  Reduced epilepsy but suffered memory loss

  Form short term memory --> couldn't form new long term memory

  Supports types of memory are separate systems
• Limitations of multistore model

  1. Info transferred from STM to LTM but people don't spend their time rehearsing yet info still goes to LTM. Some items can't be rehearsed
  2. Oversimplified, assumes only one long term store and one short term store. This has been disproved from evidence of brain damaged patients.
• Baddeley and Hitch (1974) working memory model

  1 Central executive

  1.1 Phonological loop 1.2 Episodic buffer 1.3 Visuospatial sketchpad

  1.11 Phonological store 1.12 Articulatory

  2 Long term memory
• Baddeley and Hitch (1974) Working memory model: central executive

  Attention of senses

  Limited capacity

  Control slave systems that also have a limited capacity
• Baddeley and Hitch (1974) working memory model: Phonological loop

  • Holds speech based info
  • Phonological store (inner ear)
  • Articulatory process (inner voice that rehearses info by repeating it)
• Baddeley and Hitch (1974) working memory model: visuo-spatial sketchpad

  Temporary storage of visual and spatial information
• Baddeley and Hitch (1974) working memory model: Episodic buffer

  Briefly stores information from other sub-systems and integrates, along with info from LTM
• Baddeley and Hitch (1974) working memory model: Interference task:

  • Ps perform 2 tasks simultaneously using the same system their performance is affected
  • Both tasks using phonological loop which has a limited capacity and can't cope with both tasks
  • If task involves 2 different systems performance isn't affected on either task
• Strengths of working memory model - Gathercole and Baddeley (1993)

  • Ps split into 2 groups
  • Ps follow moving spotlight, use visuo-spatial sketchpad and at the same time one group describes angles on a letter (another task involving vss)
  • Other group of Ps use phonological loop do a verbal task following the light
  • Performance better when doing tasks that use separate systems
• Strengths of working memory model - general

  • Less emphasis on rehearsal than MSM .
  • Working model looks at multiple processes for memory
  • Other processes at work for long term memory
• Weaknesses of working memory model - Central executive

  • Idea of central executive is simplistic and vague
  • Doesn't explain what it is
  • Difficult to design tasks to test central executive
• Weaknesses of working memory model - STM to LTM

  Only explains how info is delt with in the STM and doesn't explain how it transfers to the LTM
• Weaknesses of working memory model - lab studies

  Lack ecological validity as the tests and results lack replicability and generalisability to a real world setting