Multi-store model of memory Flashcards
To have a good understanding what MSM is about
What is primacy effects and how does this relate to MSM? (Found by Glanzer and Cunitz 1966)
- this is where you recall the first words of the list well
2. relates to LTM as you remember the first bit of the sequence at its already been transferred
what is Asymptote and how does this relate to MSM? (Found by Glanzer and Cunitz 1966)
- when recalling a list the middle part of it are remembered far less well than the beginning or the end
- relates as displacements occur in the middle of the list (capacity 5-9 items)
what is recency effects and how does this relate to MSM? (Found by Glanzer and Cunitz 1966)
- this is when you recall the items at the end of the list first and get it more correct on average than the earlier items. (have effects even if list is longer)
- relates to STM as at the end of the list is always last to remember
What is the Multi-store model of memory? (MSM)
It is a theory that was developed by Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968)
It describes flow between three permanent storage systems of memory: the sensory register (SR), short-term memory (STM) and long-term memory (LTM).
Capacity and duration is fixed at each stage
its a passive memory
How does information pass through the flow?
- info is deteced by the sense organs and enters the sensory memory. if it has been given attention then it is enters the STM
- information from STM is transferred to the LTM only if that info is rehearsed to a certain point and surpass the threshold
- if maintenance rehearsal loop does not occur, then info is forgotten and lost from STM through the processes of displacement and decay
What is the sensory memory and how can it be lost?
duration = 2s
capacity = alot but limited to the duration
encoding = sense specification
this is where your sense organs send the info to, by encoding it (visual, audio, semantic).
when given attention to then it enters to the STM
this is lost through decay so it wasn’t attended to
What is the STM and how can it be lost?
STM is a Brief storage of processed information
duration = 15-30s
capacity = 7 (+2 or -2)
encoding = mainly auditory
it can be lost to:
displacement - if STM become full of info (unable to attend to the other info)
decay - within the time window if not rehearsed or used then its lost
What is LTM and how can it be lost?
LTM is a Vast store of information and isn’t passive as its dynamic and constantly adapting in light of new information
duration = infinite
capacity = infinite
encoding = mainly semantic
it can be lost to:
decay retrieval failure - has not been used for a long period of time so it weakens
interference - when getting interrupting when trying to recall so the info is being confused and unable to be recalled properly
what is maintenance rehearsal loop?
This is the process of transferring onto LTM and keeps the info there
This can be disrupted due to interference
what are some strengths of MSM?
- The MSM was a pioneering model of memory that inspired further research and consequently other influential models, such as the Working Memory Model.
- There is a large base of research that supports the idea of distinct STM and LTM systems (e.g. brain-damaged case study patient KF’s STM was impaired following a motorcycle accident, but his LTM remained intact).
what are some weaknesses of MSM?
- the model is over-simplified as there are evidence that the stores are unitary but has multiple STM and LTM stores (e.g. LTM is split into episodic, procedural, semantic memory)
- semantic meaning doesn’t really apply much to procedural memory (i.e. knowing how to write through its meaning)
- proven that some memories can jump straight to LTM
- emphasises the role of rehearsal
- unable to measure the real capacity of LTM so it loses some credibility as it was assumed
what is memory?
- the ability to retain information, and demonstrate retention through behaviour
- split into encoding, storage and retrieval
