Memory- comparing the MSM and WMM

Question 1

The WMM suggests that short term memory has a limited capacity and similarly so does the MSM.

Answer 1

WMM- all stores have limited capacity i.e VVS is limited to 3-4 objects
MSM- States that the STM has a capacity of 7+/- -2 pieces of info

Question 2

The MSM suggests that STM is unitary, however the WMM suggests that is consists of more than one store.

Answer 2

WMM says that the STM is split into 4 components
MSM- says it is just one store

Question 3

Both the WMM and MSM suggest that rehearsal is important to process information.

Answer 3

MSM- Says that rehearsal is necessary for info to move into LTM
WMM- same as MSM

Question 4

The MSM suggests that short-term memory is a simple storage buffer. In contrast, working memory is more complex in that it suggests STM consists of a storage component as well as attention.

Answer 4

Episodic buffer
Alkhalifa reported on a patient with severely impaired LTM who demonstrated STM capacity of up to 25 prose items, far exceeding the capacity of both the PL and the VSS.
This research shows that there is evidence the episodic buffer exists and it holds items in working memory until they are recalled.

Question 5

WMM and MSM both suggest a link between STM and LTM - MSM with rehearsal and WMM with the episodic buffer.

Answer 5

MSM- Info moves from STM to LTM
WMM- The episodic buffer links working memory to LTM and wider cognitive processes such as perception.