models of memory Flashcards
A model of memory meaning
a framework that explains how the human memory system works
WMM definition
a cognitive model of human memory that proposes that short-term memory is made up of multiple components that work together
central executive
The control system that coordinates the other components and allocates attention.
Phonological loop
Stores and maintains verbal information
Visuo-spatial sketchpad
Stores and maintains visual and spatial information
Episodic buffer
Integrates information from the other components and acts as a link between working memory and long-term memory.
WMM key facts
-The WMM was first proposed by Baddeley and Hitch
The two stores within phonological loop
Phonological store: A passive buffer that stores speech-based information for a brief period of time, around two seconds.
Articulatory control process: An active process that refreshes and revives the contents of the phonological store. It acts like an inner voice that rehearses sounds
strengths of WMM
-Evidence-based: The WMM is supported by case studies. For example, the case of KF, who suffered brain damage in a motorcycle accident struggled to process verbal information but his visual memory was unaffected. This shows that visual information (VSSP) is processed separately from verbal information (phonological loop).
-Explains parallel processing: The WMM explains how parallel processing works.
-Applicable to everyday life: The WMM can be applied to many areas of everyday life, such as learning, problem-solving, and communication
weaknesses of WMM
-Overly simplistic: The WMM is a simplified view of a complex cognitive system.
-Unclear roles: The exact roles of the central executive and episodic buffer are unclear.
-Limited application: The WMM is only concerned with short-term memory, so it has limited application.
MSM definition
The multi-store model of memory (MSM) is a cognitive model that explains how memory is processed through three distinct storage components.
Sensory register
Receives information from the five senses, such as sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. The sensory register has a large capacity and stores information for about half a second.
Short-term memory (STM)
this store receives information from the sensory register and long-term store. STM can hold 5–9 items for about 30 seconds. If information is not rehearsed, it can be lost through decay or displacement.
Long-term memory (LTM)
Stores information that has been rehearsed in the short-term memory. LTM has a potentially unlimited capacity and duration
MSM key facts
The MSM was proposed in 1968 by Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin
