Atkinson-Shiffrin's Multi-Store Model Of Memory

Question 1

Define: Atkinson-Shiffrin’s Multi-Store Model Of Memory

Answer 1

Represents memory as consisting of three separate components called sensory memory, short-term memory and long-term memory.

Question 2

When and by whom was the Atkinson-Shiffrin’s Multi-Store Model Of Memory created?

Answer 2

1968 by Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin

Question 3

Describe the flow of information within the Atkinson-Shiffrin Model

Answer 3

Sensory information is received from the sensory register; if we attend to it, information flows into short term memory and if rehearsed (maintenance/elaborative) it may go into the long term memory. When retrieved, information flows from LTM to STM.

Question 4

This model describes memory in terms of its structural features and control processes: what are structural features?

Answer 4

Permanent built-in features of memory that do not vary from each other; ie. the 3 components (sensory/ST/LT), storage capactiy and storage duration.

Question 5

Define: storage capacity

Answer 5

The amount of information each component can hold at any given moment

Question 6

Define: storage duration

Answer 6

Length of time information can be held by each component

Question 7

This model describes memory in terms of its structural features and control processes: what are control processes?

Answer 7

An activity that is consciously performed to assist the memory process which can vary in different situations, ie. attention, type of rehearsal and type of retrieval/search method.

Question 8

Limitations of the Atkinson-Shiffrin’s Multi-Store Model of Memory?

Answer 8

Information does not simply flow from a sensory register to STM to LTM
STM is not a single store (has a number of separate interacting components)
LTM is not a single store (3 distinct sub-systems)
Memory is not retrieved but recreated.