Multi-Store Model of Memory The multi-store model is the explanation for how memories are processed. It explains why only a few things are remembered and why some things are remembered and others aren’t. Atkinson and Schiffrin were the first to describe the multi-store model. They designed a simple diagram to show the multi-store memory: Sensory memory Environmental Stimuli Attention Short-term Memory Maintenance Rehearsal Information Retrieval Elaborate Rehearsal Long-term Memory Retrieval Sensory memory Environmental Stimuli Attention Short-term Memory Maintenance Rehearsal Information Retrieval Elaborate Rehearsal Long-term Memory Retrieval The Multi-store Model has 3 different places for memory storage. Information passes from store to store in a linear way and there are different explanations for forgetting in each store The first store is where sensory memory is processed.
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. Face validity however is only a small strength of
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.
The information enters the sensory memory model which is stimulated by the sensory form which remains unaltered in the mind for a brief time before decaying. It can be an auditory or visual trace. If attention is paid to the information, it is then transferred to short-term memory where it is stored briefly. The short-term memory receives and retains only a small amount of information where it receives minimal processing. The transfer of this information between the stages may require re-coding.
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).
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.
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.
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).
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
The short term memory stores approximately 7 +/-2 items in an acoustic code for approximately 15-30 seconds. It is therefore easy to forget things at this stage, as information will be lost within 30 seconds unless it is repeated or rehearsed. Memories from this store are lost because new information comes along and pushes the old information out. However if the information is sufficiently well rehearsed it will be able to pass into the long term memory. The long term memory stores unlimited amount of information for a lifetime through semantic encoding.