Evaluation Of The Multi Store Of Memory

Question 1

Evaluation + : supporting research of case studies

Answer 1

Supporting Research Evidence:
The MSM is supported by research such as the case of HM (Henry Molaison), who had his hippocampus removed, leading to an inability to form new long-term memories. This supports the distinction between short-term and long-term memory, as HM’s short-term memory was intact, but his long-term memory was impaired. The separation between the two stores is consistent with the MSM’s structure.

Question 2

Evaluation - : negative of case studies

Answer 2

Case studies are ungeneralisablenas they trade into account the experiences of one person, therefore doesnt represent the wider populations memory and cannot draw broad conclusions

Question 3

Evaluation - : oversimplified concepts

Answer 3

Simplification of Memory:
One criticism of the MSM is that it oversimplifies the complexity of memory processes. The model suggests that information flows in a sequence through sensory memory, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). However, more contemporary models, like the working memory model, suggest that STM is more dynamic and involves multiple components, rather than a single store as the MSM proposes.

Question 4

Evaluation - : oversimplifies LTM

Answer 4

Lack of Consideration for Different Types of LTM:
The MSM assumes that long-term memory is a single store, but later research suggests that LTM is more complex, with different types (e.g., episodic, semantic, and procedural memory). The model does not account for the variety of different types of LTM and how they are processed and stored differently, which reduces its comprehensiveness.