The transfer of this information between the stages may require re-coding. The memory traces in shorty-term memory are fragile and can be lost within 30 seconds through displacement or decay, unless rehearsed. This then creates long-term memory, where it can remain for a lifetime, although loss is possible from this store by decay, retrieval failure or interference. Long-term memory has unlimited storage, and is split into two memories Procedural memory which is a knowledge of how to do things and skills. Declarative memory is a memory for specific information or facts, which can be sub-divided into Semantic storage for language and general knowledge.
Memory is to do with how we encode, store and retrieve information. The multi-store model of memory was suggested by Atkinson and Shiffrin who said that we have 3 different memory stores: sensory memory, short term memory and long term memory and formed a linear model to demonstrate the process. A key aspect of the model is that the memory stores have different characteristics which include capacity, duration and encoding. Capacity refers to how much information that can be stored, duration is how long the memory lasts and encoding is how the memory is taken in and stored to be recalled later. We have sensory memory stores where information from the outside world is taken in unconsciously so if it is not looked at consciously it can be lost via decay as the duration is very short (possibly up to 2 seconds).
Multi-store Model of Memory The Multi-Store Model of Memory is a study of memory and explains how the memory works. Atkinson and Shriffrin (1968) suggested that memory comprised of three separate memory stores, the Sensory memory (store), the Short Term Memory (STM) and the Long Term Memory (LTM). The Multi-Store Model also shows the processes by which the information is passed to each store. The model suggests that human memory involves a sequence of these three stages. Information passes through each stage/store by control processes.
Discuss the value of the Multi Store Model of memory (12 marks) The MSM of memory consists of four main components: the Attention System (Sensory Store), the Short Term Store (often known as the working memory), the Rehearsal Loop and the Long Term Store. The Attention System filters incoming information. If this information is paid attention to, it gets transferred into the Short Term Store. However, if the information is not acknowledged it is lost/decays. The Rehearsal Loop allows the rehearsal of information resulting in it being transferred into either the Long Term Store, or due to maintenance rehearsal, the information will be able to stay stored in the Short Term Store.
In addition information in the short term memory store is encoded acoustically; this theory is supported by Conrad’s 1964 case study where an experiment was conducted that confirmed Atkinson and Shiffrin’s theory that the STM encodes information acoustically. Their findings showed after rehearsal the info is transferred from the STM to Long term memory store if not rehearsed information is lost through decay. When in the LTM, the material can last for up to a lifetime when rehearsed or is of semantic value. LTM encodes information that is semantic. There are many strong points to consider in terms of the multi store model of memory.
With reference to relevant research discuss the extent to which models of memory and theories of forgetting explain human memory. This essay will analyse the effectiveness of the multi-store model of memory and the working memory model together with examination of Trace Decay and Displacement theories of forgetting, as effective methods for explaining human memory. Memory can be defined as the minds storage system for information or experience (Gross 1996). The multi-store model of memory developed by Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968/1971 as cited in Gross, 1996; Cardwell, Clark and Meldrum, 2004) is a linier diagram with three stores; the sensory store, short-term memory (STM) and long-term memory (LTM) stores. Entailing of information flowing in a fixed sequence from one to the next.
I will then describe a model which gives us a way of conceptionalising working memory, followed by a description of some difficulties of working memory. I will describe studies that link difficulties with working memory to difficulties for dyslexic individuals, and discuss them. 2 DYSLEXIA McLoughlin et al. (2002) proposed a definition based on working memory theory – “Developmental dyslexia is a genetically inherited and neurologically determined inefficiency in working memory, the information processing system fundamental to learning and performance in conventional educational and work settings. It has a particular impact on verbal and written communication as well as on organisation, planning and adaptation to change.” (p.19).
2) BRAIN DAMAGED STUDIES tells us that certain areas of the brain are used when components of working model are getting used so this tells us that tasks need different parts of the brain so they are really separate systems at work this can be seen by MRI scans. 3) Baddley and hitch: as the working model tells us that if were trying to do two tasks at once they need the same system to do it in the working model then our performance will suffer but if using different parts of the working model then it may work. The weaknesses of the working model 1) Central executive has little support. Most of the
Describe and evaluate the Working Memory Model of Memory (12 marks) The working memory model by Baddeley and Hitch in 1974 is an alternative to the multi- store model, which was limited in its description of the STM. It consists of three main components, the first one being the central executive, which has overall control. The central executive is directs attention to two slave systems, the phonological loop and the visual-spatial sketchpad. The central executive has limited capacity but is able to process information from all the sensory systems, e.g. vision, hearing, etc.
There are many different memory models, and the most famous ones are the MSM and LOP. MSM contains three levels: sensory store, short-term store, and long-term store. What is important in this model is the duration of time, recalling and retrieving information, so it can move from one store to another. In the LOP it’s about the levels of processing where there’s three levels each at a deeper level than the previous, and the levels are: