Memory: The multi-store memory model Flashcards
Why was the multi-store model called this?
Because it was made up of 3 memory stores linked to each other by the processes which enable transfer of information from one store to the next.
What is the sensory register?
where info is held at each of the senses-eyes, ears etc.
Not just one store, one for each of the 5 senses.
very little info passes onto the memory system unless you pay attention to the info.
What are the two main memory stores in the sensory register?
ionic memory- visual info is coded visually
echoic memory- auditory info is coded acoustically
What is short term memory?
Limited capacity memory store
The coding is mainly acoustic with a duration between 18-30 secs and a capacity between 5-9 items.
How can we keep info in our STM?
Maintenance rehearsal- when we repeat information to ourselves over and over again. This allows it to stay in our STM. If rehearsed long enough we can get it in our LTM
Facts about STM
short memory store
new information can override old information due to short capacity
info here is in a fragile state and will disappear shortly
What did Atkinson and Shiffrin propose about maintenance rehearsal?
there is a direct relationship between rehearsal in STM and strength of the LTM.
The longer something is rehearsed, the better it is remembered.
Outline LTM
These are memories of events which happened in the past.
LTM has a got potentially unlimited duration and capacity
What is the order of the events in the multi-store
memory model?
env stimulus–>sensory mem–>STM–>maintenance rehearsal/retrieval–>LTM
Evaluate a limitation of the MSM of memory
The MSM is too simple.
- suggests STM and LTM are just single stores
- going against research which has found that there are different types
Evaluate a strength of the MSM of memory
Research from lab studies support the idea of there being separate STM and LTM stores
- lab studies using brain scanning techniques showed a diff between STM and LTM
- prefrontal cortex active during STM not LTM
