Multi-Store Model

Question 1

Outline 6 points about the multi-store model

Answer 1

Consists of:

• Sensory buffer
• Duration = up to 2 seconds, capacity = unlimited/limited
• Short-term store
• Duration = up to 30 seconds, capacity = 5-9 bits
• Long-term store
• Duration = potentially unlimited, capacity = potentially unlimited

Question 2

Evidence to support MSM?

Answer 2

• Glanzer and Cunitz (1966) carried out a study using word lists, primacy effect = LT, recency effect = ST
• Clive Wearing: showed that if the hippocampus was damaged, new memories would be prevented from being made. Shows that the hippocampus holds STM as if it is damaged, new memories cannot be made

Question 3

Weaknesses of the MSM?

Answer 3

• Shallice and Warrington (1970) doesn’t follow linear model. Case of K.F, brain damaged as a result of a motorbike accident but could still add to LTM although his STM was damaged
• Elements of the model are considered oversimplified. It suggests that both STM and LTM each operate in a single, uniform fashion but this isn’t always the case. Rehearsal is also considered a too simplistic explanation to account for the transfer. It is now apparent that both STM and LTM are more complicated through the working memory model proposed by Baddeley and Hitch (1974). It showed that STM is more than just 1 simple unitary store and comprises different components, e.g. central executive