Multi Store Model of Memory (Atkinson and Shiffrin) Flashcards
MSM
Represents how memory is stored, transferred between the different stores, retrieved and forgotten
3 stores
Sensory Register, STM and LTM
Sensory Register
1) Detects stimulus from environment
2) Contains 1 sub-store for each sense (iconic memory is coded visually)
3) Less than half a sec duration
4) High capacity
5) Info would pass from the sensory register to STM if we pay attention to it
STM
1) Only contain certain number of things before forgetting takes place
2) Maintenance rehearsal is when we repeat info to ourselves, allowing it to be kept in STM. If we rehearse it long enough, it passes onto LTM. Lack of that causes forgetting.
LTM
When we want to recall info, it has to be transferred back to STM: retrieval. Nothing is recalled from LTM.
Strength
MSM acknowledges the qualitative differences between STM and LTM. Eg: STM is coded acoustically while LTM is semantic. Supports MSM view that these stores are separate and independent.
Weakness
More than 1 type of STM. MSM states that STM is a unitary store. However Shallice and Warrington studies a patient with KF amnesia. Found that their STM for digits was poor when read out loud to him. But his recall was better when he read them himself. There could be another STM for noises.
Weakness
More than 1 type of LTM. MSM states that LTM is a unitary store. Some can be retrieved consciously and others unconsciously but this isn’t stated in the MSM.
Weakness
More than 1 type of rehearsal. According to MSM, only amount matters in rehearsal. But Craik and Watkins said the type matters: Maintenace rehearsal is explained in MSM. This doesn’t transfer to LTM, it just maintains it in STM. ELABORTIVE REHEARSAL passes it onto LTM, by making links with existing knowledge.
Weakness
Artificial materials: Jacobs, Peterson et al, etc.
