The multi-store model of memory Flashcards
Who derived the multi-store model of memory?
Richard Atkinson & Richard Shiffrin.
Describe how information passes through the multi-store model of memory.
Environmental stimuli enters sensory memory/register. With attention, moves to short-term memory. Maintenance rehearsal keeps in STM, or moves to long-term memory.
From which stores in the MSM can information be recalled?
Short- and long- term memory.
What is the function, capacity and duration of the sensory register?
All info in the senses: eyes, ears etc. Huge capacity, very short duration (milliseconds).
What is the importance of attention in the MSM?
Attention on a specific sense transfers the information to the STM.
What is the duration and capacity of STM? Why?
Limited duration and capacity. New information displaces old information.
What is the importance of maintenance rehearsal in the MSM?
Keeps information in STM by repeating the information. Enough rehearsal transfers to LTM.
What is the capacity and duration of the long-term memory?
Potentially unlimited capacity and duration.
What must happen for a memory from the LTM to be recalled?
Information passes back from LTM to STM - recall.
(AO3) What research evidence is there for the multi-store model of memory?
HM case study. Hippocampus removed form both sides of brain to reduce severe epilepsy. Personality & intellect intact, and able to retrieve previous memories. Unable to form new LTMs. Supports model - separate stores in separate parts of brain.
(AO3) What is a weakness of using a case study as evidence for the MSM?
Ideographic approach - focus on case studies, individuals and rich qualitative data. Very difficult to generalise from findings of one individual. MSM looks to find model that can be applied to everyone. HM case study may not be enough evidence to base the model off.
(AO3) What further evidence is there for the MSM that is not a case study?
Brain scanning techniques identify difference between STM and LTM. Prefrontal cortex active when STM stimulated. Hippocampus when LTM stimulated. Separate stores etc.
(AO3) Why is there a better model for memory than the MSM?
MSM too simple. Working memory model better. Outlines different types of STM. Maintenance rehearsal can’t explain episodic memories - better explained by WMM.
