Multi-store Model Of Memory Flashcards
1
Q
Types of memory in this store
A
- Sensory register: initial contact for stimuli, only capable of retaining information for a very short time
- Short term memory: the information we are currently aware of, or thinking about. The information found in short term comes from paying attention to sensory memories
- Long term memory: continual storage of information which is largely outside of our awareness, but can be called into working memory to be used when needs
2
Q
Features of the memory stores
A
- Coding: the format in which the information is stored in the various memory stores
- Capacity: the amount of information that can be held in memory
- Duration: the length of time information can be held in memory
3
Q
Features of sensory memory (SM)
A
Capacity: unlimited
Duration: up to 2 seconds
Coding: via the 5 senses
4
Q
Features of short-term memory (STM)
A
Capacity: 5-9 items
Duration: up to 30 seconds (unless it’s rehearsed)
Coding: acoustically (via sound)
5
Q
Features of long-term memory (LTM)
A
Capacity: unlimited
Duration: forever (potentially)
Coding: semantically (via sound)
6
Q
Evaluation of MSM
A
- There is more than one type of STM: evidence from people suffering amnesia disproved there to be only one STM. Shallice and Warrington (1970) study a man named KF. He had poor memory of digits when they were read to him, but was much better when he read it himself. This is a limitation of the MSM as research shows that there must be at least two STM stores to process auditory and visual information
- There is a lot of supporting research completed by: Bahrick, Miller, Baddely, Peterson and Peterson
- There is more than one type of rehearsal: Craik and Watkins (1973) found that there is not only one universal type of rehearsal, but in fact two. Maintenance rehearsal simply maintains it in the STM. However, it is elaborate rehearsal that is needed for long term storage. This is a serious limitation, as it is another finding that cannot be explained by the model
