multi-store model ao1

• Multi-store model of memory

  Theoretical model first described by Atkinson & Shiffrin (1968), also known as the 'modal model'
• The Multi-Store Model


  1. Information enters sensory memory

  2. Attention paid to information transfers it to short-term memory

  3. Information in short-term memory must be rehearsed to be remembered

  4. Retrieval of information from long-term memory to short-term memory
• Sensory memory


  • Constantly receiving environmental stimuli but most decays without attention
• Short-term memory


  • Information must be rehearsed to be remembered
• Long-term memory


  • Information is consolidated and retained for a long time
• The MSM recognises that short-term memory capacity and duration is limited and long-term memory is significantly longer
• Group 1 - Recall now, Group 2 - Count back from 30 in 3's before recalling
• Serial position effect


  • Primacy effect - ability to recall items from beginning of list
  • Recency effect - ability to recall items from end of list
• Glanzer & Cunitz (1966) - Delaying recall by 30 seconds prevented the recency effect
• Primacy effect happens because words at start are rehearsed more and in long-term memory, words at end are in short-term memory
• Coding


  The way in which information is put into or processed into memory, e.g. acoustic, visual, semantic
• Capacity of LTM is much larger than STM
• Capacity of STM is 7 +/- 2 items, capacity of LTM is unlimited
• Conversation with friend prevents rehearsal of phone number


  Phone number not transferred to LTM
• Limited capacity of STM


  Unable to remember all digits of phone number
• Studies of brain damaged patients provide evidence for the multi-store model