Multi store model

• Atkinson and Shiffrin's multi-store model of memory (MSM)

  Distinguishes between three memory stores: the sensory register (SR), short-term memory (STM) and long-term memory (LTM)
• Information flow in the MSM

  Flows linearly through the memory stores
• Sensory register (SR)


  • Holds information from the environment for a duration of 1-2 seconds
  • Has a large capacity
  • Information coded is modality specific, either echoic (auditory) or iconic (visual)
• Short-term memory (STM)


  • Processes incoming sensory memory
  • Has a limited capacity of 7 +/- 2 items
  • Has a duration of between 18-30 seconds
  • Information is usually encoded acoustically
• Long-term memory (LTM)


  • Has unlimited capacity and duration
  • Information is usually encoded semantically
• Information movement in the MSM

  If information is rehearsed for a prolonged period via maintenance rehearsal, it moves into the LTM