Multi-store model of memory, (CP)

Question 1

Define information processing

Answer 1

The way information flows through a system such as memory. Cognitive psychologists believe that our brains process information in the same way as computers ie input, processing, output. In this way cognitive processes work in explainable and predictable ways

Question 2

Define storage

Answer 2

The process by which memories are retained in order to be accessed at a later date – can be temporary eg SM and STM or permanent eg LTM

Question 3

Define duration

Answer 3

how long this store can retain information for

Question 4

Define capacity

Answer 4

how much information this store can retain

Question 5

Define encoding

Answer 5

the form in which the memory is retained

Question 6

Define maintenance rehearsal

Answer 6

acoustically repeating knowledge in your head

Question 7

Define elaborative rehearsal

Answer 7

process of linking new information to existing information and fully understanding the meaning of the information to be successfully retained in long-term memory

Question 8

Define retrieval

Answer 8

process by which memories are accessed at a later date

Question 9

Define decay

Answer 9

information that fades over time

Question 10

Define displacement

Answer 10

an explanation of forgetting in short-term memory suggesting one memory can get ‘overwritten’ by another piece of information due to the lack of capacity

Question 11

Define interference

Answer 11

process affecting retrieval whereby specific memories will get recalled instead of the intended, target memory

Question 12

Summary of SM, STM, LTM (capacity, duration, encoding, how info is lost)

Answer 12

SM:
- Capacity = high
- Duration = less than a second
- Encoding = sensory e.g. touch
- How info is lost = decay

STM:
- Capacity = 7±2 items (5-9 items)
- Duration = 18-30 seconds
- Encoding = acoustically
- How info is lost = decay or displacement

LTM:
- Capacity = unlimited
- Duration = 30+ seconds - lifetime
- Encoding = semantically
- How info is lost = interference

Question 13

Strengths of multi-store model

Answer 13

There is evidence from case studies of people with brain damage that support the
distinction between STM and LTM.

Clive Wearing:
- had less than 30s memory. Sometimes less than 7s
- while giving answer, already forgotten the question
- severe case of amnesia
- doesn’t believe he’s seen a doctor
- nothing goes to and from his short term memory
- know he has kids but cannot link any information to them e.g. what they are currently doing in their lives

This demonstrates the existence of separate STM and LTM stores as suggested by the Multi-store Model as damage to STM is preventing the transfer of memories to the LTM.

Question 14

Weaknesses of multi-store model

Answer 14

A problem with MSM is that its description of STM may be too simplistic. Dual task experiments show that we perform poorly when trying to complete two similar tasks at the same time (eg two verbal tasks), but that we perform well when doing two tasks of a different nature (eg on verbal and one visual). This dual capacity cannot be explained by MSM as it suggests that the limited capacity of STM is not dependent on the type of information. Therefore Working Memory may be a better explanation as it explains dual task performance and is seen as a more dynamic model of STM.