2.2 The multi-store model of memory

Question 1

What is the multistore model?

Answer 1

An explanation of memory based on three separate memory stores, and how information is transferred between these stores

Question 2

What is the sensory register?

Answer 2

Information collected at the senses - has a very large capacity and short duration (milliseconds)

Question 3

Summarise the multistore model of memory

Answer 3

Sensory register
Attention transfers information from sensory register to STM
STM - limited capacity (5 items/chunks) few minutes duration unless rehearsed
Maintenance rehearsal eventually moves to LTM
LTM - unlimited capacity and duration, forgetting due to lack of accessibility
- retrieval from LTM to STM

Question 4

Evaluate the multistore model of memory (strengths)

Answer 4

• Lab studies eg. Bahrick, Miller, Jacobs, Peterson and Peterson, Baddeley
• Brain scans eg. Beardsley linked STM to PFC, Squire linked LTM to hippocampus
• Case study of HM - linked formation of new LTMs to hippocampus

Question 5

Evaluate the multistore model of memory (limitations)

Answer 5

• MSM is too simple - STM and LTM aren’t unitary stores

- LTM involves elaborative rather than just simple maintenance rehearsal

Question 6

What is attention?

Answer 6

First step to remembering something - where you focus on. Where the attention is focused on the sensory stores moves it to STM

Question 7

What is Retrieval?

Answer 7

The process of getting information from LTM involves the information passing back through the STM it is then available for use.