Atkinson-Shiffrin's Multi-Store Model Of Memory: Improving the STM

Question 1

In what 2 ways can the STM be improved?

Answer 1

Rehearsal and Chunking.

Question 2

Define: chunking

Answer 2

the grouping of separate items of information into a larger single unit (chunk) of information.

Question 3

How exactly does chunking improve the capacity of the STM?

Answer 3

Each “chunk” containing separate items of information represents one unit of the 7±2 pieces of information, rather than each separate item taking up one unit each.

Question 4

Why is NSW VIC VCE DVD remembered more easily than WNVDCEIVDCSV?

Answer 4

First is 4 chunks, each chunk takes up one unit of STM (4 in total) and does not exceed its capacity; Second is 12 separate units and exceeds capacity of the STM.

Question 5

Examples of where chunking is used?

Answer 5

Phone numbers, credit cards, abbreviations

Question 6

Define: rehearsal

Answer 6

consciously manipulating information to keep it in STM, to transfer it to LTM or to aid in storage and retrieval.

Question 7

Two types of rehearsal?

Answer 7

Maintenance rehearsal and elaborative rehearsal

Question 8

Define: maintenance rehearsal

Answer 8

repeating information over and over again so that it can be retained in STM.

Question 9

If information is rehearsed using maintenance rehearsal without interruptions, can it be held indefinitely in the STM?

Answer 9

Yes

Question 10

Is information rehearsed by maintenance rehearsal always transferred to LTM?

Answer 10

No!

Question 11

How does maintenance rehearsal occur verbally and visually, and tactilly?

Answer 11

Verbally - can occur subvocally (Saying in head) or vocally (aloud)
Visual - visualising a mental picture in your head.
Practising how it feels like

Question 12

Define: elaborative rehearsal

Answer 12

Meaningfully linking new information to other new information or information already stored in the LTM to aid in storage and retrieval from the LTM.

Question 13

Why is elaborative rehearsal more effective than maintenance rehearsal?

Answer 13

More active and effortful. Info encoded semantically, involving a deeper level of processing so information better encoded, stored and retrieved in/from LTM

Question 14

Define: self-referencing effect

Answer 14

when we relate new information to personal experiences in some way, we are more likely to remember it.