Multi-store model- Memory

Question 1

Atkinson and Shiffrin proposed a multi-store model of memory, suggesting that rehearsal has 2 functions.

What are these functions?

Answer 1

Rehearsal allows information to get from one memory store to the other

1= maintaining items in the STM

2= transferring these items to the LTM

Question 2

What are the 2 assumptions made?

1- about time and repetition

2- time and repetition and remembering at later date

Answer 2

1= that the time in the STM and the number of repetitions are vital for transfer of info to LTM

2= the longer the info stays in the STM, or greater the number of rehearsals, better the chance of remembering at a later date

Question 3

Recall the parts of the diagram that show how information flows through the memory systems

Answer 3

(stimulus from environment) –>SENSORY REGISTER—-(attention)–> SHORT-TERM MEMORY STORE— (maintenance and rehearsal)—> LONG TERM MEMORY STORE

Question 4

Research evidence for multi -store model:

Atkinson and Shiffrin, participants shows 20 words in succession….

Answer 4

• ppts asked 20 words in succession and asked to immediately recall them in any order:

subjects recall items from the end of the list first and get more of these correct than the earlier items (RECENCY EFFECT)
——> shows recall from STM

• when asked to recall words after a period of time, there’s an improved recall of earlier items on the list (PRIMARY EFFECT)
  ——-> Shows recall from LTM

Question 5

Case study that provides evidence of MSM-

the case of HM

1- which part of his brain was removed during surgery to treat epilepsy?
2- which of his memory stores worked and which one didn’t?

Answer 5

1= his hippocampus was removed in surgery, we now know that this is vital for memory function

2= his LTM was damaged but his STM was normal, suggesting 2 stores

His LTM was tested repeatedly but never improved with practice (eg would read the same magazine without remembering it)

Question 6

AO3- multi-store model

Answer 6

• too simplistic–> research suggests that STM and LTM are more complex than singular memory stores
• Craik and Watson argue that it’s not the number of repetitions that’s important, but they TYPE=

Maintenance= repeating info to keep it circulating in the STM

Elaborate= involves ‘doing something with’ the information. this is vital for transfer to LTM

• Research= involves meaningless stimuli like numbers and letters, IRL form memories about people

HM is a case study so lacks generalisability to wider population