Multi-store model (MSM) Flashcards
What are models of memory
Models of Memory provide a framework for an understanding of the conceptualisation of human memory processes over time
What is the Multi-Store Model theory
The multi-store model theory is an explanation of memory proposed by Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968) which represents how information is transferred in a unidirectional flow, through 3 static memory stores each having different capacities and durations
What are the three specific functions of each store
encoding = how information is processed
capacity = how much information is held
duration = how long information is held for
condition = how information can be lost or retained in the memory
What conditions must be met for information to travel from sensory memory to long-term memory
attention and rote rehearsal
Describe the Sensory Memory
the initial point where memory is formed due to input from our environment which is picked up through our senses
‘Duration’ of sensory imagery
hold information for 1/4 second
‘Capacity’ of sensory imagery
huge, possibly infinite, everything in perceptual field
‘Condition’ of sensory imagery
information needs to receive attention to be transferred to the STM, otherwise, it simply decays and is forgotten
Describe the Short Term Memory
information has been paid attention to and in this store has been encoded
‘Duration’ of Short Term Memory
hold information for 18-30 seconds
‘Capacity’ of Short Term Memory
able to hold 7 items at a time, plus or minus two (miller’s magic number)
‘Condition’ of the Short Term Memory
information needs to be rehearsed through repetition in order to transfer to the long-term memory
What happens if information is not rehearsed in the Short Term Memory
it may be pushed out or displaced by incoming information
Describe the Long Term Memory
information is encoded semantically by meaning
‘Duration’ of the Long Term Memory
unlimited
‘Capacity’ of the Long Term Memory
hasn’t been established as both difficult to measure
‘Condition’ of the Long Term Memory
information is not always retrievable and can become inaccessible, leading to decay
*may be able to retrieve later with a retrieval cue
What is your declarative memory and where is it stored
stored = temporal lobe, specifically in the hippocampus
responsible for storing facts and events that can be consciously recalled
What is your procedural memory and where is it stored
stored = cerebellum
responsible for storing information about how to do certain skills which is unconsciously recalled
how is memory retrieved in the Short Term Memory
stored and retrieved sequentially
how is memory retrieved in the Long Term Memory
stored and retrieved by association
what is decay
- information is not paid attention - becomes forgotten
- information is not rehearsed - becomes forgotten
what is displacement
information entering the STM exceeds capacity and old information is pushed out and replaced
Strengths and Limitations of ‘Testable’
STRENGTHS:
This theory is testable as the model can be tested through various experiments and studies to provide evidence for the existence and characteristics of each of the memory stores.
STRENGTHS
The MSM of memory was parsimonious and heuristic which inspired further research and prompted many insightful studies
Researchers can do experiments to improve on this model and make it more valid and they can prove what stores actually do
Influential as it has generated a lot of research into memory
Strengths and Limitations of ‘Evidence’
STRENGTHS:
There is evidence and significant research to support the idea of separate memory stores, including the two studies previously discussed.
LIMITATIONS:
However, as previously determined, both studies lack external population and ecological validity and cannot be generalised to real life situations and the population. The Glanzer and Cunitz Study cannot be generalised due to the artificiality and the evidence from the HM study cannot be replicated or generalised for ethical reasons previously discussed.
Strengths and Limitations of ‘Application’
STRENGTHS:
The theory can be applied to many different situations explaining the memory process and the human brain as an information processor.
LIMITATIONS:
However, machine reductionism can be criticised as it ignores the influence of human emotions and motivations on the cognitive system and how this may affect our ability to process information.
Strengths and Limitations of ‘Concept’
STRENGTHS:
The theory is conceptual as variables are components of the model and are clearly defined. These include the three separate stores in terms of their capacities, durations and conditions. Therefore they can be reliably measured.
LIMITATIONS:
However, it does not explain why we are able to recall specific information which we did not rehearse including getting bitten by a dog. Therefore, researchers have argued that smells and sensations of touch do not need to be rehearsed
Strengths and Limitations of ‘Unbiased’
the theory is unbiased as it explains the general memory process of human beings
Strengths and Limitations of ‘Predictive
STRENGTHS:
The model is straightforward, simplistic and predicts behaviour about the process of memory and how it is stored and retrieved.
LIMITATIONS:
However, the model has been criticised for reasons of oversimplification and failing to explain some of the memory phenomena and therefore human behaviour.
- Researchers have found that the STM and LTM are more complex than presented.
- The working model of memory suggests that the STM is composed of different components.
- The LTM can be split into declarative and procedural memory.
