Memory Flashcards
What is the structure of the MSM?
Information goes into the Sensory memory, then into the Short term memory which holds 5-9 items (7+-2). Then, with Elaborative rehearsal, the information gets into the long term memory, otherwise it gets maintenance rehearsal. If not for that, then the information gets stored for 3-18 seconds. Retrieval happens when trying to gain information from LTM into STM.
Who were the main people who found out the capacity, duration and coding of the STM?
Miller’s magic number - Capacity 7+-2
Peterson and Peterson - Duration 3-18 seconds
Baddeley - Acoustic
LTM main information.
Duration is unlimited.
Capacity is unlimited.
Coding is done semantically so it makes sense to the person.
MSM AO3 - Limitation Miller’s research
Miller overestimated the capacity of the STM. Another researcher found that the STM could only hold 4 chunks of information. This suggests that the lower end of Miller’s estimate (5 chunks) is more appropriate than 7 items.
MSM AO3 - Strength scientific support
Controlled lab studies on capacity, duration and coding support the existence of separate STM and LTM stores. Brain scanning techniques have found differences between STM (which activates PFC) and LTM (which activates hippocampus). This evidence provides strong stupport for MSM.
Outline the structure of the WMM.
The Phonological loop and the Visuo-spatial sketchpad are linked to the central executive. There is then an episodic buffer between the central executive and the LTM.
What does the Central executive do?
Monitors and co-ordinates all other mental functions.
What does the phonological loop do?
Made up of phonological store and articulatory process which acts as maintenance rehearsal. Deals with auditory information.
What does the Visuo-Spatial sketchpad do?
It is made up of the visual cache and inner scribe. Used when u plan a visual/spatial task.
What does the Episodic buffer do?
Receives imput from sources and temporarily stores information.
WMM AO3 - Strength Case Studies.
Remember LTM involved the use of the Hippocampus? HM had an operation to remove his hippocampus due to severe epilepsy, which solved his epilepsy problem but could no longer form LTM’s. His personality and intellect remained intact and he could recall things from before the surgery, but could no longer form LTM’s. This provides support for the MSM’s notion of separate stores, as HM was unable to transfer information from his STM to his LTM, but was able to retrieve information from before his surgery. However, this is a case study after all and that poses methodological issues as well as individual differences.
WMM AO3 - Strength Dual task Perf.
The main reason for making the WMM was to account for dual task performance. Baddeley supported the existence of such performance in his study. He found that if you tried to imagine a football match while driving and planning the road ahead, you won’t be able to drive properly since only one task can take up your inner scribe. Another researcher, Bunge, found that MRI scans showed an area of the brain for the central executive. Demonstrates dual task performance effect + shows that central exec = one of the components of working memory.
What does the phonological store do?
Holds the words for the Phonological loop, acts as the inner ear
What does the articulatory process do?
Performs maintenance rehearsal for the Phonological Loop. Acts as the inner voice.
What does the Visual cache do?
For form and colour.
