Multi-score model of memory, (CP)

Question 1

Summary of SM, STM, LTM (capacity, duration, encoding, how info is lost)

Answer 1

SM:
- Capacity = high
- Duration = less than a second
- Encoding = sensory e.g. touch
- How info is lost = decay

STM:
- Capacity = 7±2 items (5-9 items)
- Duration = 18-30 seconds
- Encoding = acoustically
- How info is lost = decay or displacement

LTM:
- Capacity = unlimited
- Duration = 30+ seconds - lifetime
- Encoding = semantically
- How info is lost = interference

Question 2

Strengths of multi-store model

Answer 2

I - There is evidence from case studies of people with brain damage that support the distinction between STM and LTM.
J - Clive Wearing:
- had less than 30s memory. Sometimes less than 7s
- while giving answer, already forgotten the question
- severe case of amnesia
- doesn’t believe he’s seen a doctor
- nothing goes to and from his short term memory
- know he has kids but cannot link any information to them e.g. what they are currently doing in their lives
E - This demonstrates the existence of separate STM and LTM stores as suggested by the Multi-store Model as damage to STM is preventing the transfer of memories to the LTM.

Question 3

Weaknesses of multi-store model

Answer 3

I - A problem with MSM is that its description of STM may be too simplistic.
J - Dual task experiments show that we perform poorly when trying to complete two similar tasks at the same time (eg two verbal tasks), but that we perform well when doing two tasks of a different nature (eg on verbal and one visual). This dual capacity cannot be explained by MSM as it suggests that the limited capacity of STM is not dependent on the type of information.
E - Therefore Working Memory may be a better explanation as it explains dual task performance and is seen as a more dynamic model of STM.