evaluation points

Question 1

multi-store model of memory: strengths

Answer 1

• supporting evidence to show existence of LTM and STM (due to brain scans)
• evidentiary support from case studies with brain damage (HMs removed hippocampus)

Question 2

working memory model: strengths

Answer 2

• evidentiary support for the WMM from case study of KM (could recall LTM but STM was limited)
• research support from dual task studies from Baddeley and Hitch

Question 3

multi-store model of memory: limitations

Answer 3

• research from MSM has experimental reductionism ( memory explained using isolated variables)
• MSM is too simplistic ( S&LTM should be sub divided)

Question 4

working memory model: limitations

Answer 4

• can’t generalise case studies ( different people have different difficulties)
• central executive is too vague (should be further divided)

Question 5

types of long term memory: strengths

Answer 5

• brain scan evidence ( shows types of LTM associated with parts of the brain)
• evidence from different case studies (HM performing the mirror task)

Question 6

types of long term memory: limitations

Answer 6

• case studies and damaged patients cannot establish cause and effect
• successful real world applications (memory training)

Question 7

forgetting interference explanation: strengths

Answer 7

• support from real life research (recall and recognition of adverts)

Question 8

forgetting interference explanation: limitations

Answer 8

• there are better/other explanations for forgetting (gives an incomplete understanding)
• there are individual differences (ppl with bigger working memories less susceptible to interference )
• research uses artificial stimuli (recalling a list of nonsense syllables )

Question 9

forgetting: retrieval failure: strengths

Answer 9

• a lot/multiple research support (T&P with retrieval cues and Abernathy with context dependant learning)
• real world applications ( research gives strategies for improving recall )

Question 10

forgetting: retrieval failure: limitations

Answer 10

• lack of cause and effect ( only works if it was encoded with the memory )
• retrieval cues don’t always work ( like with complex associations )

Question 11

effects of misleading info on EWT: strengths

Answer 11

• further support from research ( false disney adverts)
• real world applications (evidence from DNA exonerations)

Question 12

effects of misleading info on EWT: limitations

Answer 12

• contradicting evidence from research (accurate ewt from canada 4 months after)
• ignores individual differences ( elderly ppl are more susceptible )

Question 13

effects of anxiety on EWT: strengths

Answer 13

• research support from real life and labs (labs show anxiety reduces accuracy so some real life evidence may be exceptions)

Question 14

effects of anxiety on EWT: limitations

Answer 14

• impact of individual differences (stable and neurotic ppts)
• weapons focus effect isn’t caused by anxiety ( hair salon study showed its surprise )
  -real life studies suggest there is no simple conclusion (accuracy depends on other factors e.g specifics of the crime)

Question 15

cognitive interviews: strengths

Answer 15

• research support for its effectiveness (41% more info recalled in CI compared to standard
• useful when interviewing older witnesses (they give stronger testimonies in CI compared to SI)

Question 16

cognitive interview weaknesses

Answer 16

• Quality of info may not be improved ( 81% correct info, but 61% increase in incorrect)
• practical limitations (CI is not always use the same due to lack of training and funding)