Memory

Question 1

What is Atkinson and Shiffrins multi store model of memory theory?

Answer 1

-assumed there are 3 seperate memory stores and that information is transferred between these stores in a linear sequence.
- the 3 main stores are: sensory memory, short term memory and long term memory.
- each of the memory stores differ in the way information is processed (encoding) how much information can be stored (capacity) and for how long (duration.
- is described as a information processing model.
- information is detected by the sensory organs and enters the sensory memory, which stores a fleeting impression of sensory stimuli. If attended to this information enters the STM and if information is given meaning (elaborative rehearsal) it is passed on to the LTM.

Question 2

Characteristics of the sensory memory?

Answer 2

• duration = 1/4 to 1/2 second
• information arrives from the 5 senses such as sight sounds and touch
  -information not transferred is lost through decay.
  -capacity = all sensory experience
• encoding = sense specific e.g. different stores for each sense.

Question 3

Characteristics of short term memory?

Answer 3

-information not transferred is lost through displacement or decay.
- duration = 0-18 seconds.
-capacity = 7+/-2 items
- encoding = mainly auditory

Question 4

Characteristics of long term memory?

Answer 4

• duration = unlimited
• capacity = unlimited
• encoding = mainly semantic (but can be visual and auditory)

Question 5

What is some supporting evidence for multi-store memory?

Answer 5

Controlled lab studies on capacity, duration and encoding provide strong evidence for the existence of a seperate short and long term store. Additionally, neuroimaging research by Beardsley (1997) found that the prefrontal cortext is active during STM but not LTM tasks. Squire (1992) found that the hippocampus is active when the LTM is engaged. This is good as it’s scientific and imporical. Increases internal validity because it gets rid of confounding and controls extraneous variables.

Question 6

What case study can be used for multi- store memory?

Answer 6

-Henry Molaison.
-had brain surgery to remove his hippocampus and amygdala to control seizures. After this surgery he could no longer form new memories or remember the prior 11 years of his life.
-case study- generate qualitative data- more detailed about the information and insight with the individual with memory disorder- longitudinal
- however its ideographic so not generalisable so lacks population validity

Question 7

Why is the multistore model seen as overly simplistic?

Answer 7

The MSM suggests that both STM and LTM are single “unitary” stores. However research doesn’t support this. STM is divided into a number of qualitatively different stores ie it isn’t just a difference in terms of capacity and duration, but in the kind of memory stored there. It’s the same for LTM. Research shows this.

Question 8

Why the multistore model has been criticised for its reliance on maintenance rehearsal?

Answer 8

Craik and lockhart (1972) suggested that enduring memories are created by the processing that you do, rather than through maintenance rehearsal. Things that are processed more deeply are more memorable just because of the way they are processed. This suggests that the process of rehearsal does not fully explain the process of creating long term memories. Elaborative processing is also a key part of the process.