The long term memory stores unlimited amount of information for a lifetime through semantic encoding. However, it may be forgotten because memory traces can decay, ‘new’ information which causes confusion and interferes with the old information or particular cues within the environment are not available causing retrieval failure. Many investigations/ experiments/ case studies have been undertaken to test the Multi-store memory model. This essay will give both the strengths and weaknesses of the MSMM. Peterson and Peterson investigated the duration of the Short Term Memory in 1959.
New information that enters the short term store displaces (pushes out) any information that is already there, meaning that information that is not rehearsed and passed to the long term store is forgotten. When information enters the long term store (also know as long term memory) it remains there for up to a life time (Bahrick et al, 1975). The capacity of the store is potentially unlimited, and encoding is primarily in a semantic format (information is stored by its meaning). Evaluating the multi-store model The multi-store model has fairly high face validity. This means that at first impression it seems to offer a plausible explanation as to how information passes through memory and is either stored or forgotten.
12 marks The multi store model of memory was created by Atkinson and Shiffrin in 1968. Their findings showed that information first enters into the sensory memory which is very short lived. The sensory memory can be produced in two ways Iconic (visual) or Echoic (auditory). When the information has caught the attention of the brain it enters the short term memory which lasts for up to 20 seconds this was discovered in an experiment by Psychologist Peterson in 1959. 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.
If attended to this information enters the short term memory. Information from the STM is transferred to the long-term memory only if that information is rehearsed. If rehearsal does not occur, then information is forgotten, lost from short term memory through the processes of displacement or decay. Sensory Memory • Duration: ¼ to ½ second • Capacity: all sensory experience (v. larger capacity) • Encoding: sense specific (e.g. different stores for each sense) Short Term Memory • Duration: 0-18 seconds • Capacity: 7 +/- 2 items • Encoding: mainly auditory Long Term Memory • Duration: Unlimited • Capacity: Unlimited • Encoding: Mainly Semantic (but can be visual and auditory) Evaluation of the Multi-Store Model Strengths Many memory studies provide evidence to support the distinction between STM and LTM (in terms of encoding, duration and capacity).
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.
However if the information receives attention, it will pass on to short term memory. The information held in short term memory is in a fragile state. The information is rehearsed and the information stays since it is in the 7+-2 capacity for short term memory. By maintenance rehearsal, the information can be transferred to long term memory. In long term memory there is a much larger capacity and the duration is possibly lifelong.
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. The main characteristics of the Short Term Store are its size, which is limited and can only store up to seven pieces of information (plus or minus 2) at a given time, its duration, which is less than thirty seconds, and its encoding, favouring acoustic sounds (recognising information by how its sounds). The main and contrasting characteristics of the Long Term Store are again its size, which is unlimited, its duration, which is a lifetime, and its encoding, favouring semantic forms (recognising information by its meaning). The theory of the Multi Store Model claims that the memory consists of two separate storage areas. Glanzer and Cunitz (1966) came up with the theory of the “Serial Positioning experiment”.
Kahneman (as cited in Edgar, 2007) explains it in the limited capacity theory of attention. According to it, “the brain contains limited-capacity central processor responsible for analyzing incoming information and integrating it to information already held in memory” (Edgar, 2007, pp.11). Thus, when a person tries to do many things at once interference can occur if those things compete for the same pool of resources. However, Macleod (as cited in Edgar, 2007) showed that it is possible to do two things at once without interference. In his study, participants had to carry out a visual and an auditory task and respond to them by saying ‘bip’.
The information from the sensory memory will then be encoded and passed into short term memory. Short term memory has scarce capacity and duration nevertheless if the information is processed further by rehearsals, then it can be transferred to long term memory. The capacity and duration of the long term memory is unlimited whereas short term memory has a short duration and can only hold small amounts of information. Various studies have been performed to support this; Glanzer and Cunitz illustrated a functional dissociation where they gave their participants list of words presented one at a time and tested their free recall. Some participants were asked
Information passes through each stage/store by control processes. The information must pass through all stages in order to get to the end. SENSORY MEMORY The sensory memory receives incoming information. The information it receives is sensual i.e.visual or auditory. The Sensory Memory Store has a limited abilility to store information, any information received will either decay or by taking notice of the information can then continue forward to the (STM).