Memory Models

Question 1

What is Atkinson & Shiffren’s Multi-store memory model.?

Question 2

What is short term sensory store?

Answer 2

> holds all info from the display
unlimited capacity
sense specific stones
temoory 0.25-1 sec
selective attention takes place
encoding (putting things into your memory) takes place

Question 3

What is short term memory?

Answer 3

> the workplace / working memory
only attend to the relevant stimuli
limited capacity
7 items (5-9)
30s duration
learning the most relevant info

Question 4

What is long term memory?

Answer 4

> info or motor programmes or patterns of movement stored
recognition part of the memory process
schema are stored
info sent back (to STM) / decoded
performance associated with previous performances (to recognise strengths/weaknesses)
capacity limitless
duration permanent
e.g. for LTM having to remember technique of netball shooting

Question 5

Advantages of multi-store memory model?

Answer 5

1. simplifies the memory process to aid understanding
2. explains how those with brain damage may have dysfunctional memory or amnesia, showing a distinction between short-term and long-term memory

Question 6

Disadvantages of multi-store memory model

Answer 6

1. too simplified - doesn’t explain how/why we remember different types of info.
   e.g. we might remember a coaches explanation of sports technique rather than a simplified diagram
2. doesn’t effectively prove the distinction between short-term memory and long term memory and doesn’t effectively explain the interaction between short-term and long term memory