The multi store model of memory

Question 1

Outline the multi-store model

Answer 1

• Created by Atkinson and Shiffrin and describes how information flows through the memory system

Question 2

Draw the multi-store model of memory

Answer 2

stimulus from the environment - sensory register - STM - LTM
- include arrows between each

Question 3

describe the sensory register

Answer 3

• All stimulus from the environment passes into the sensory register
• It contains several registers for each of our 5 senses.
• the store for visual information is iconic memory
• the store for auditory information is echoic
• The duration of the SR is brief and less than half a second
• It has a very high capacity

Question 4

Describe STM

Answer 4

• it codes mainly acoustically and lasts about 18 seconds until rehearsed
• has a limited capacity (7 plus or minus 2)
• maintenance rehearsal can help us keep info in our STM and eventually our LTM

Question 5

Describe LTM

Answer 5

• Codes semantically
• Information from the LTM can be transferred to STM through retrieval

Question 6

Identify a strength of the MSM

Answer 6

• it is supported by studies that show that STM and LTM are different
• Baddely showed that the STM stores info aucoustically and LTM does so semantically
• this shows that the STM and LTM are clearly seperate and independent memory stores

Question 7

Identify 2 limitation of the MSM

Answer 7

L : There is evidence of more than one STM store. Shallice and Warrington studied a client (KF) who had a clinical memory disorder called amnesia. KF’s STM was very poor when digits were read out to him but it improved when he read the digits himself
- this shows there are regsiters within the STM for non verbal sounds

L: Prolonged rehearsal may not be needed to transfer information to LTM. Craik and Watkins found that the type of rehearsal is more important. Elaborative rehearsal is required for LTM storage. This occurs when u think about what something means.