The Multi-store Model of Memory - Atkinson and Shiffrin Flashcards
The Multi-store Model of Memory - Atkinson and Shiffrin
Memories are formed sequentially and information passes from 1 component to the next in a linear fashion.
Process of the Multi-store Model of Memory
1) The sensory register is where information from the senses is stored, but only for a duration of approximately half a second before it is forgotten.
2) It is modality-specific, meaning that whichever sense is registered will match the way it is consequently held.
3) However, if attended to, sensory information moves into the STM for temporary storage, which will be encoded visually (as an image), acoustically (as a sound) or, less often, semantically (through its meaning).
4) STM is thought to have a capacity of 7+/-2 chunks and a duration of approximately 18-30 seconds. This capacity can be increased through ‘chunking’ (converting a string of items into a number of larger ‘chunks’.
5) Rehearsing information via the rehearsal loop helps to retain information in the STM, and consolidate it to LTM, which is predominantly encoded semantically.
6) Information in the LTM can be stored and retrieved for up to any duration, and equally has a seemingly unlimited capacity.
Strength
The MSM was a pioneering model of memory that inspired further research and consequently other influential models, such as the Working Memory Model.
Strength
It makes sense that memories in the LTM are encoded semantically – i.e. you might recall the general message put across in a speech, rather than all of the words as they were heard.
Strength
There is a large base of research that supports the idea of distinct STM and LTM systems (e.g. brain-damaged patient KF’s STM was impaired following a motorcycle accident, but his LTM remained intact).
Weakness
The model is arguably over-simplified, as evidence suggests that there are multiple short and long-term memory stores, e.g. ‘LTM’ can be split into Episodic, Procedural and Semantic memory.
