Atkinson-Shiffrin multi-store model of memory

Question 1

explain Atkinson-Shiffrin multi-store model of memory

Answer 1

• Memories are a central part of our daily lives, but the process of storing and using memories is complex and has been researched by psychologists for over a hundred years.
• In 1968, Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin presented a model that has been influential in our understanding of memory by considering memory as a system with three distinct stores which interact to encode, store, and retrieve information.

Question 2

define memory

Answer 2

the process of encoding, storing, and retrieving information that has been previously encountered

Question 3

define Atkinson-Shiffrin multistore model of memory

Answer 3

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

Question 4

An overview of the processes involved in the Atkinson-Shiffrin model of memory

Answer 4

1. 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

Question 5

define encoding

Answer 5

converting sensory information into a useable from that can be processed by the brain

Question 6

the first stage of the model involves…

Answer 6

The first stage involves encoding sensory information or converting it into a useable form that can be processed by the brain. For the encoding process to begin, you must pay attention to the information.

Question 7

the second stage of the model is …

Answer 7

The second stage is storage, which is the retention of information in memory over a period of time. If we store the information in an organised way, it will make it easier to recover memories when we need them. When you save a copy of your Psychology notes on your computer, they can be retained for a long or short period until they are needed.

Question 8

the last stage of the model is…

Answer 8

The last stage of the information processing model is retrieval – the process of locating and recovering the stored information from memory so that we are consciously aware of it. Retrieval relies on using the right cues or hints so that we can locate the correct piece of information in the vast network of our memories.

Question 9

define retrieval

Answer 9

accessing information that has previously been stored

Question 10

Multi-store model of memory

Answer 10

• No single model captures all aspects of human memory.
• Memory consists of complex, interconnected, and interacting systems serving different purposes and operating differently.
• Despite uncertainty about the number and nature of memory systems, memory functions as a unified entity.
• The Atkinson–Shiffrin multi-store model is widely accepted.
• This model proposes multiple levels to memory, with sensory information passing through various stores to be retained long-term.
• The model suggests three independent stores: sensory, short-term, and long-term memory, which function simultaneously and interact to process information.
• Each store processes information differently and varies in role, capacity, and duration.

Question 11

define role

Answer 11

the function of a memory store

Question 12

define capacity

Answer 12

the amount of information held within a memory store

Question 13

define duration

Answer 13

the length of time information is held within a memory store

Question 14

define sensory memory

Answer 14

a memory store that receives and stores an unlimited amount of incoming sensory information for a brief time

Question 15

explain sensory memory

Answer 15

• We receive a vast amount of sensory information daily from both external and internal environments.
• Sensory memory is the first level of the multi-store model of memory.
• Sensory memory briefly stores raw information detected by the senses, serving as the entry point for memory.
• At this stage, the information is an exact replica of the environment and has not been encoded.
• Each of the five senses has its own sensory store.
• We are not consciously aware of the information in sensory memory unless we pay attention to it.
• Important sensory information must be attended to for further processing and transfer to short-term memory.
• Unattended sensory information is lost from memory forever.

Question 16

Examples of the type of information that can be retained by sensory memory

Answer 16

• 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

Question 17

brief overview of sensory memory

Answer 17

• 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.

Question 18

sensory memory - function

Answer 18

• We receive huge amounts of sensory information every minute.
• Sensory memory is the entry point for new sensory stimuli.
• Sensory memory filters out unnecessary information to prevent overload.
• Sensory memory focuses on information that is novel, relevant, or important.
• The brief duration of sensory memory allows it to hold information long enough to determine its importance.
• Important information is attended to and transferred to short-term memory.
• Sensory memory stores impressions long enough for them to overlap slightly.
• This overlap allows us to perceive the world as continuous, not as disconnected images or sounds.

Question 19

sensory memory - capacity

Answer 19

Sensory memory has an unlimited capacity – its storage capabilities are structured to deal with the immense amounts of sensory stimuli entering at any given time.

Question 20

sensory memory - duration

Answer 20

• Sensory memory holds information for 0.2–4 seconds.
• This brief duration allows temporary storage and assessment by the brain.
• Each sense has a sensory register, the first memory store for information.
• Duration varies from a fraction of a second to a few seconds, depending on the sensory register.
• Visual (iconic) information is processed quickly.
• Auditory (echoic) information has a longer duration than visual information.
• Sensory memory duration allows the brain to decide whether information should enter short-term memory.

Question 21

define short-term memory

Answer 21

a memory store that has limited capacity of short duration, unless the information is renewed

Question 22

Transfer from Sensory to Short-Term Memory

Answer 22

• Information attended to in sensory memory moves to short-term memory (STM).
• Information in STM is encoded based on its sensory form (e.g., visual, tactile, acoustic).

Question 23

Characteristics of Short-Term Memory

Answer 23

• Limited storage capacity and short duration unless information is renewed.
• Holds information that is consciously attended to and actively manipulated.
• Known as the seat of conscious control, where decision-making and perception occur.

Question 24

Interaction with Other Memory Stores

Answer 24

• STM can access information from both sensory memory and long-term memory (LTM).
• Information moves from sensory memory to STM and from LTM to STM for conscious awareness.

Question 25

Manipulating Information in STM

Answer 25

• Involves updating, adding, or changing information.
• Rehearsal (repeating or linking information) helps encode information into LTM.

Question 26

Working Memory

Answer 26

• STM is also called working memory because it involves active manipulation of information.
• Capacity is limited to 7 ± 2 items (5 to 9 items).
• Duration is 18 to 30 seconds; information fades after approximately 18 to 20 seconds but can last up to 30 seconds.

Question 27

STM - function

Answer 27

• STM allows us to manipulate encoded information during everyday tasks.
• Integrates information from both sensory memory and long-term memory (LTM).
• Sensory memory receives information about new food (e.g., color, taste, texture) and sends it to STM.
• STM retrieves and compares existing information from LTM about similar foods eaten in the past.
• STM then updates LTM with new information (e.g., the food is delicious) for long-term storage.

Question 28

STM - capacity

Answer 28

• STM holds less information than sensory or long-term memory.
• Average capacity: 7 ± 2 items (5–9 unrelated items).
• New items in STM can displace old items if at capacity.

Displacement in STM:
- Makes multitasking difficult when manipulating information.
- Extending STM Capacity:

Chunking: Grouping separate items together to form a single, larger piece of information.

Question 29

Define displacement

Answer 29

adding new single items to short-term memory by pushing out old items

Question 30

Loss of Information in STM

Answer 30

Information not encoded into LTM can be displaced by new information (displacement) or fade away after STM duration expires (decay).

Question 31

STM - duration

Answer 31

• The duration of short-term memory is limited compared to sensory memory and long-term memory, lasting for 12–30 seconds.
• If, after 30 seconds, the information is not manipulated in some way, it will fade from short-term memory and be permanently lost.
• This process in known as decay.
• Decay can be prevented by rehearsal, which is when information is consciously manipulated to keep it in short-term memory for longer or to transfer it to long-term memory.

Question 32

Define decay

Answer 32

the fading away of information in short-term memory when not maintained by rehearsal

Question 33

define rehearsal

Answer 33

the conscious manipulation of information to keep it in shortterm memory for longer or to transfer it to long-term memory

Question 34

examples of rehearsal

Answer 34

Maintenance Rehearsal:
- Repeating information vocally or sub-vocally to keep it in short-term memory.
- Preserves information in STM as long as repetition continues without interruption.

Elaborative Rehearsal:
- Best method for transferring information to long-term memory.
- Involves giving meaning to new information and associating it with existing long-term memory.
- Methods include:
- Making mnemonics
- Creating questions
- Making mind maps
- Explaining concepts to others
- Results in deeper processing and more effective encoding and retrieval of information.

Question 35

define long-term memory

Answer 35

memory that is relatively permanent and holds huge amounts of information for a long time, possibly lifelong

Question 36

Transfer to Long-Term Memory (LTM)

Answer 36

• After processing in short-term memory (STM), information is transferred to long-term memory.
• Undergoes further encoding based on its meaning.
• Becomes unconscious to avoid overwhelming the mind.

Question 37

Characteristics of Long-Term Memory (LTM)

Answer 37

• Function: Stores vast amounts of information, including past events and factual knowledge.
• Capacity: Potentially unlimited.
• Duration: Relatively permanent, possibly lasting a lifetime.

Question 38

Nature of Information in LTM

Answer 38

• Information is encoded from STM and exists in a usable form.
• Further processed into different types of LTM and organized in different brain parts.
• Can be retrieved and brought back into STM.

Question 39

LTM - Retrieval Challenges

Answer 39

• Information in LTM is not always in conscious awareness.
• Retrieval can be difficult without proper cues or awareness of how to access the information.

Question 40

LTM - Research Ongoing

Answer 40

Understanding of the exact duration and retrieval mechanisms of LTM is still under study.

Question 41

LTM - function

Answer 41

Information stored in long-term memory is organised semantically, which means that the meaning of the word, phrase, picture, event or thing is encoded, as opposed to its sensory input (e.g. sound, image or texture).

Semantic information is stored for a long time in an organised way, according to meaning (and therefore relating to its function) and importance

Question 42

LTM - capacity

Answer 42

The capacity of long-term memory is unlimited, like to that of sensory memory. This allows it to store a lifetime of memories.

We don’t know how much information long-term memory can actively store, and this is still being explored by researchers.

Question 43

LTM - duration

Answer 43

In comparison to sensory and short-term memory, the duration of long-term memory is relatively permanent. This means that information is thought to last in the memory store for a long time, in some cases for life.

However, stored information can decay because of physical or psychological factors, particularly through disuse of particular memories and brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias

Question 44

The explanatory power of the Atkinson Shiffrin model

Answer 44

• Influential in explaining memory processes.
• Describes three distinct memory stores: sensory memory, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM).
• Outlines interactions through encoding, storage, and retrieval.

Question 45

the Atkinson-Shiffrin Model - strengths

Answer 45

• Clearly distinguishes between different memory stores.
• Supported by memory experiments and case studies of amnesia patients.
• Provides evidence for the distinction between STM and LTM.
• 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

Question 46

the Atkinson-Shiffrin Model - limitations

Answer 46

• Does not fully capture the complexity and experience of memory.
• Important to consider its strengths and limitations for a comprehensive understanding.
• Encourages the development of critical thinking skills.
• The model may be too simplistic in its portrayal of memory processes.
• STM is more complex than suggested; Baddeley and Hitch (1974) propose it includes multiple components.
• Ignores factors like motivation and strategy that aid in learning and encoding information from STM to LTM.
• Initially suggested rehearsal is necessary for LTM transfer, but studies show information can transfer without it.
• Does not account for variations in memory processes, storage duration, and capacity among individuals.