4.1.2 Multi-store model of memory Flashcards
Who studied the MSM?
Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin
1968, 1971
Supporting evidence - HM
The case of HM supports there are two separate and independent memory stores, short-term memory and long-term memory.
What happened to HM is evidence that it is possible to sustain damage to one of these stores with the other remaining relatively unaffected.
HM’s LTM was badly damaged. He had no memory for events that happened just hours or even minutes earlier. His LTM never improved with practice either.
But testing showed that his STM was much less badly affected. His almost-normal digit span showed that he could recall information that was presented to him immediately.
Clinical psychologists call this difference in performance a dissociation.
The hippocampus’ function is memory in your brain.
MSM evaluation - supporting
MSM supports the studies showing that LTM and STM are different.
Baddeley found that we:
Tended to mix up words that sounded similar using our STM
But, tended to mix up words that had similar meanings using our LTM
These studies show that LTM and STM are separate stores.
MSM evaluation - counterpoint
The majority of studies use digits and letters (Baddeley did use words). Peterson and Peterson used consonant syllables (YSW)
Therefore, are these studies a valid model of how everyday memory works when we have to remember more meaningful information?
MSM evaluation - more than 1 STM store
More than 1 STM store:
There is evidence of more than 1 STM store:
Tim Shallice and Elizabeth Warrington (1970) studied a client with amnesia (clinical memory disorder) referred to as KF
KF’s STM for digits was very poor when they were read loud to him, however, his recall was much better when he read the digits for himself
Further studies on KF (and others) showed that there could be a short-term store for non-verbal sounds (noises)
This evidence suggests that the MSM is wrong in claiming that there is just one STM store processing different types of information
MSM evaluation - elaborative rehearsal
Elaborative rehearsal:
Another limitation is that prolonged rehearsal is not needed for transfer to LTM
MSM claims that the more you rehearse something, the more likely it is to be transferred into the LTM – prolonged rehearsal
Fergus Craik and Michael Watkins (1973) found that the type of rehearsal is more important than the amount
Elaborate rehearsal is needed for long-term storage
This is when you link the information to your existing knowledge (or you think about what it means)
Therefore, information can then be transferred without prolonged rehearsal
MSM extra evaluation
Extra evaluation:
Atkinson and Sheffrin based their research on evidence that was available to them at the time (STM and LTM) – at the time they were thought to be single memory stores and independent from each other
There is now evidence that LTM and STM are not a single memory store
E.g. we have one long-term store for our memories about facts of the world and we have one of our memories of how to ride a bike
Because of the research showing there is more than one type of STM and more than one type of rehearsal, the MSM is an oversimplified model of memory
