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Atkinson-Shiffrin multi-store model of memory
Memory is the process of encoding, storing, and retrieving information that has been previously encountered. The Atkinson-Shiffrin multi-store model of memory is a model of memory which outlines the three separate stores of memory (sensory, short-term, and long-term) each of which interact through the processes of encoding, storage, and retrieval. Figure 1 provides a visual representation of this model.
Atkinson-Shiffrin multi-store model of memory steps
All incoming information enters sensory memory; a store of memory which very briefly stores raw information detected by the senses. If this sensory information is attended to, then it is converted into a useable form and transferred to short-term memory.
2. Short-term memory (STM) is a store of memory that temporarily stores a limited amount of information that is consciously being attended to and actively manipulated. Rehearsal is a controlled process which involves consciously repeating or manipulating information in STM. Rehearsal can increase the likelihood of information being encoded (transferred) into long-term memory.
3. Encoding is the process of converting information into a useable form which can be manipulated and stored in the brain. Information from STM is encoded into long-term memory (LTM), which is a store of memory in which a potentially unlimited amount of information is stored for a relatively permanent amount of time. Therefore, LTM is the memory store in which relatively permanent storage occurs, which refers to the retention of information over time.
4. Information stored in LTM can also be retrieved. Retrieval is the process of accessing information that has been stored in long-term memory and bringing it into our conscious awareness in short-term memory.
Sensory memory
Sensory memory is a store of memory which very briefly stores raw information detected
by the senses. As such, sensory memory can be described as the entry point for memory,
as all information which is later stored must first be detected by the senses. At this stage, this information is an exact replica of that which is in your environment, meaning that it has not yet undergone the process of being encoded.
Examples of the type of information that can be retained by sensory memory include:
• the faces of your classmates directly after looking at them
• the sound of a bird chirping outside just after you hear it
• the tag of your clothing that you might feel rubbing against your skin
• the scent of your deodorant when you spray it
• the taste of your food when you are eating lunch.
Our sensory memory store has an unlimited capacity, meaning that there is no limit to how much it can hold. The duration of sensory memory, however, is extremely brief and generally varies between 0.2 to 4 seconds. Therefore, while our senses can hold a fairly unlimited amount of information, we do not pay attention to all this information. Only information that is attended to is transferred to short-term memory for processing. If sensory memory is not attended to, then it is completely lost.
Short term memory
Short-term memory (STM) is a store of memory that holds a limited amount of information that is consciously being attended to and actively manipulated. The information in your STM can come both from your sensory or long-term memory. Information from your sensory memory, which you have paid attention to will move into your STM. Similarly, information from your long-term memory that you retrieve can also move to your conscious awareness, and hence exist within your STM.
STM is also known as ‘working memory’ because you are aware of all the information that you hold in this memory store and are consciously manipulating (‘working on’) it. STM has a limited capacity of 7 ± 2 items (or 5 to 9 items). This is the number of items that can be actively ‘worked on’ at any one time. The duration of STM is 18 to 30 seconds for most people. More specifically, it is believed that information generally begins to fade after approximately 18 to 20 seconds, however, it is possible for some information to remain in STM for up to 30 seconds.
Manipulating information may involve updating, adding, or changing the information in some way. It also involves the process of rehearsal. Individuals can rehearse information by repeating it or by linking it to other pieces of information that were previously learnt. Rehearsal helps encode information from STM into long-term memory where it can be stored.
If the information in your short-term memory is not processed and encoded in long-term memory, it can be pushed out by new incoming information (which is known as displacement) or fade away on its own after the duration of STM has expired (which is known as decay
Long term memory
Long-term memory (LTM) is a store of memory in which a potentially unlimited amount of information is stored for a relatively permanent amount of time. It contains all the information you retain from past events, as well as your knowledge of facts. These memories have undergone the process of being encoded from STM, and exist in a useable form. This information is further processed into different types of LTM and organised in different parts of the brain (which will be explored in future lessons). This information in LTM can be retrieved and brought into short- term memory.
The capacity of LTM is described as being potentially unlimited. Information stored in LTM is not in conscious awareness. However, whilst LTM is considered to have a potentially unlimited amount of information, this does not mean that we have the capacity to retrieve all this information. Sometimes, we are unable to retrieve and access information in LTM as we may be unaware of how to retrieve it or are not prompted by the right retrieval cues.
The duration of LTM is understood as being relatively permanent, meaning that theoretically information can be stored in LTM forever. However, research on this matter is still being conducted.
Explanatory powers of Atkinson shiffrin model
Strength:
The model distinguishes between the different stores involved in memory.
• The model outlines that each memory store has a different capacity and duration.
• The model provides a good understanding of the structure and process of memory.
• Findings from memory studies support the
distinction between STM and LTM outlined in the model. The model can help explain why amnesia patients may have difficulty retrieving memories from LTM or encoding information from STM to LTM.
Limitation:
The Atkinson-Shiffrin multi-store model of memory may be considered to be oversimplified.
• STM is more complex than the model suggests. Baddeley and Hitch (1974) propose that STM is not just a singular store but rather encompasses different components within it.
• The model ignores factors, such as motivation and strategy, which can facilitate learning and assist in encoding information from STM to LTM.
• Initially, the model proposed that rehearsal was necessary for information to be transferred into LTM. However, studies show that transferring information into LTM can occur without rehearsal.
• The model does not account for individual differences in memory processes, storage duration, and capacity.
