The multi-store model of memory Flashcards
What is a multi-store model?
An explanation of memory based on three separate memory stores, and now information is transferred between these stores.
What is a sensory register?
This is the information at the senses- information collected by your eyes, ear, mouth, nose and fingers. Information is retained for a very brief period. The capacity is very large. The method of coding depends on the sense organ used.
Who came up with the multi-store model of memory?
Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968)
What is attention?
If a persons attention is focused on one of the sensory stores then data is transferred to the STM.
What is maintenance rehearsal?
Repetition keeps information in STM but will eventually create a LTM. It was proposed there is a direct relationship between rehearsal in STM and strength of the LTM.
What is retrieval?
The process of getting information from LTM involves passing back through the STM and then it is available for use.
What is a strength of the multi-store model of memory?
One strength comes from supporting lab evidence. Controlled lab studies on capacity, duration and coding support the existence of separate stores. E.g. Millers magic 7+/- 2 suggested the duration of STM etc. This supports the idea of separate short and long-term memory stores, which is the basis of the multi-store model.
What is a strength of the multi-store model of memory?
Another strength comes from supporting case studies. Scoville and Milner reported the case of a patient Calle HM. his brain damage was caused by his hippocampus removal to reduce his epilepsy. His intellect remained the same but he could not form new LTMs but he can remember things from before the surgery. This provides support for the MSM as he couldn’t transfer information from his STM to LTM. This shows they are different processes involved.
What is a limitation of the multi-store model of memory?
A criticism of the multi-store model of memory is that STM and LTM are not separate stores. Logie suggests that the STM relies on LTM. Runchkin et al. found that when participants process a list of real words, other areas of the brain were activated in comparison to fake words. This suggests that the STM relies on the LTM and mat just be another part of LTM not a separate store.
