Multi-Store Model of Memory

Question 1

MSM description

Answer 1

• Environmental input via 5 senses into SR
• Most info lost, however the info paid attention to goes into STM
• Some info decays (> 30 secs), the capacity is 7+/- 2 items
• Rehearsal loop keeps info in STM
• Some info stored into LTM where it can be retrieved into STM or there is retrieval failure
• Unlimited capacity in LTM

Question 2

What was Shallice and Warrington’s 1970 case study of KF?

Answer 2

KF’s memory was impaired as result of a motorbike accident where he suffered significant brain injury

Question 3

Support for idea of separate unitary stores in MSM

Answer 3

• KF’s STM had reduced capacity of 1-2 items, but LTM was fine
• Shows they must be in separate locations of the brain

Question 4

Challenge of the simplified nature of MSM

Answer 4

• KF’s difficulties in capacity in STM were only for verbal items, visual and acoustic were fine
• Suggests one unitary store for all STMs is oversimplifying

Question 5

What was Blakemore’s 1988 case study of Clive Wearing?

Answer 5

• Had virtually no STM as herpes virus destroyed parts of his temporal lobes
• STM works fine

Question 6

Support MSM

Answer 6

LTM had reduced functioning however STM was undamaged: must be located in different areas of the brain

Question 7

Challenges MSM

Answer 7

• Simplified nature of MSM: his difficulties with LTM only for episodic memories
• Semantic/procedural fine
• Suggesting one unitary store for all LTMs would be oversimplifying