Memory Models

Question 1

What is memory?

Answer 1

The process by which the brain encodes and stores information learnt.

Question 2

What is a model?

Answer 2

A physical representation of what a psychological construct might look like. Hypothetical representation which does not literally exist in our brain.

Question 3

Describe the multi-store model by Atkinson and Shiffrin.

Answer 3

• Sensory information is received.
• If information is attended to, it will move into short term memory (STM) where it remains for 15-30 seconds.
• If not rehearsed, information is lost, however while it is maintained it remains in STM.
• If it is elaborately rehearsed it is transferred to long term memory (LTM) where it can remain for up to a lifetime.
• Sensory memory has a brief duration.
• STM was originally thought to hold 7 +/- 2 pieces of information, however it is now considered 3-4 (Cowan).

Question 4

Evaluate the multi-store model.

Answer 4

Advantages:

• Shows all comprehensive memory stores.
• Provides an evidence based overview of how memory works.
• Supported by evidence of serparate stores in brain damage studies.

Disadvantages:

• Too passive- largely rehearsal.
• Oversimplified (reductionist).

Question 5

Describe the working memory model by Baddley and Hitch.

Answer 5

• STM is not a single store, consists of different stores.
• Hierarchical system
• Encompasses central executive: visiospatial sketchpad, phonological loop and episodic buffer.
• Central executive: Attention control centre. Attention occurs at automatic level (habits that rely on schemas) on supervisory attention level (planning an decision making).
• Phonological loop (verbal STM): Articulatory contol (inner voice) and phonological store (inner ear).
• Visiospatial sketchpad (inner eye)
• Episodic buffer: Temporarily holds several sources of information active at the same time while you consider what is needed presently.

Question 6

Evaluate the working memory model.

Answer 6

Advantages:

• Supported by evidence.
• Brain scans support.
• Case studies with brain damage support.
• Helps understand why multi-tasking is possible in some scenarios.

Disadvantages:

• Role of central executive is unclear.
• How components interact is unclear.
• Only explains STM.
• Does not explain memory distortion or role of emotions.

Question 7

Compare the multi-store model and working memory model (6).

Answer 7

• MSM deals with all memory stores, WMM focuses on STM.
• WMM is more active and has higher ecological validity.
• MSM is linear whereas WMM is interactive and bi-directional.
• WMM shows how STM and LTM interact; MSM does not.
• In MSM is storage specific whereas WMM is processing specific.
• WMM argues that different inputs are processed differently.