The multi-store model of memory

Question 1

Who first came up with the multi-store model of memory?

Answer 1

Atkinson and Shiffrin

Question 2

What is the order of the multi-store model of memory?

Answer 2

1 - environmental stimuli
2 - sensory memory
3 - attention
4 - short term memory
5 - maintenance rehearsal
6 - long term memory
7 - retrieval

Question 3

What is the sensory register?

Answer 3

Where information is held at each of the senses and the corresponding areas of the brain. Senses are constantly receiving information but most of this receives no attention and thus only stays at the sensory register for a brief duration

Question 4

What happens to information stored at the STM?

Answer 4

Used for immediate tasks
Has a limited duration and will decay if not rehearsed (maintenance rehearsal)

Question 5

What is maintenance rehearsal?

Answer 5

Repeating information in order to create a LTM - the more information is rehearsed the better it is remembered

Question 6

What happens with information at LTM?

Answer 6

Potentially unlimited in duration and capacity - information is stored here after being rehearsed

Question 7

What is retrieval?

Answer 7

Process of getting information from the LTM involves the information passing back through the STM - then available for use

Question 8

What are three evaluation point of the multi-store model of memory?

Answer 8

• TOO simple (LTM is not a unitary store, assumes linear flow of info, over emphasises need for rehearsal - many emotional events go straight to the LTM)
• Craik & Lockhart - processing is more important than rehearsal - things that are processed deeply are more memorable
• BEARDSLEY - supporting evidence for different stores (found the prefrontal cortex is active during STM but not LTM) — SQUIRE also used brain scanning and found hippocampus is active when LTM is engaged