Multi-store model (MSM)

Question 1

What are models of memory

Answer 1

Models of Memory provide a framework for an understanding of the conceptualisation of human memory processes over time

Question 2

What is the Multi-Store Model theory

Answer 2

The multi-store model theory is an explanation of memory proposed by Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968) which represents how information is transferred in a unidirectional flow, through 3 static memory stores each having different capacities and durations

Question 3

What are the three specific functions of each store

Answer 3

encoding = how information is processed

capacity = how much information is held

duration = how long information is held for

condition = how information can be lost or retained in the memory

Question 4

What conditions must be met for information to travel from sensory memory to long-term memory

Answer 4

attention and rote rehearsal

Question 5

Describe the Sensory Memory

Answer 5

the initial point where memory is formed due to input from our environment which is picked up through our senses

Question 6

‘Duration’ of sensory imagery

Answer 6

hold information for 1/4 second

Question 7

‘Capacity’ of sensory imagery

Answer 7

huge, possibly infinite, everything in perceptual field

Question 8

‘Condition’ of sensory imagery

Answer 8

information needs to receive attention to be transferred to the STM, otherwise, it simply decays and is forgotten

Question 9

Describe the Short Term Memory

Answer 9

information has been paid attention to and in this store has been encoded

Question 10

‘Duration’ of Short Term Memory

Answer 10

hold information for 18-30 seconds

Question 11

‘Capacity’ of Short Term Memory

Answer 11

able to hold 7 items at a time, plus or minus two (miller’s magic number)

Question 12

‘Condition’ of the Short Term Memory

Answer 12

information needs to be rehearsed through repetition in order to transfer to the long-term memory

Question 13

What happens if information is not rehearsed in the Short Term Memory

Answer 13

it may be pushed out or displaced by incoming information

Question 14

Describe the Long Term Memory

Answer 14

information is encoded semantically by meaning

Question 15

‘Duration’ of the Long Term Memory

Answer 15

unlimited

Question 16

‘Capacity’ of the Long Term Memory

Answer 16

hasn’t been established as both difficult to measure

Question 17

‘Condition’ of the Long Term Memory

Answer 17

information is not always retrievable and can become inaccessible, leading to decay

*may be able to retrieve later with a retrieval cue

Question 18

What is your declarative memory and where is it stored

Answer 18

stored = temporal lobe, specifically in the hippocampus

responsible for storing facts and events that can be consciously recalled

Question 19

What is your procedural memory and where is it stored

Answer 19

stored = cerebellum

responsible for storing information about how to do certain skills which is unconsciously recalled

Question 20

how is memory retrieved in the Short Term Memory

Answer 20

stored and retrieved sequentially

Question 21

how is memory retrieved in the Long Term Memory

Answer 21

stored and retrieved by association

Question 22

what is decay

Answer 22

1. information is not paid attention - becomes forgotten
2. information is not rehearsed - becomes forgotten

Question 23

what is displacement

Answer 23

information entering the STM exceeds capacity and old information is pushed out and replaced

Question 24

Strengths and Limitations of ‘Testable’

Answer 24

STRENGTHS:
This theory is testable as the model can be tested through various experiments and studies to provide evidence for the existence and characteristics of each of the memory stores.

STRENGTHS
The MSM of memory was parsimonious and heuristic which inspired further research and prompted many insightful studies
Researchers can do experiments to improve on this model and make it more valid and they can prove what stores actually do
Influential as it has generated a lot of research into memory

Question 25

Strengths and Limitations of ‘Evidence’

Answer 25

STRENGTHS:
There is evidence and significant research to support the idea of separate memory stores, including the two studies previously discussed.

LIMITATIONS:
However, as previously determined, both studies lack external population and ecological validity and cannot be generalised to real life situations and the population. The Glanzer and Cunitz Study cannot be generalised due to the artificiality and the evidence from the HM study cannot be replicated or generalised for ethical reasons previously discussed.

Question 26

Strengths and Limitations of ‘Application’

Answer 26

STRENGTHS:
The theory can be applied to many different situations explaining the memory process and the human brain as an information processor.

LIMITATIONS:
However, machine reductionism can be criticised as it ignores the influence of human emotions and motivations on the cognitive system and how this may affect our ability to process information.

Question 27

Strengths and Limitations of ‘Concept’

Answer 27

STRENGTHS:
The theory is conceptual as variables are components of the model and are clearly defined. These include the three separate stores in terms of their capacities, durations and conditions. Therefore they can be reliably measured.

LIMITATIONS:
However, it does not explain why we are able to recall specific information which we did not rehearse including getting bitten by a dog. Therefore, researchers have argued that smells and sensations of touch do not need to be rehearsed

Question 28

Strengths and Limitations of ‘Unbiased’

Answer 28

the theory is unbiased as it explains the general memory process of human beings

Question 29

Strengths and Limitations of ‘Predictive

Answer 29

STRENGTHS:
The model is straightforward, simplistic and predicts behaviour about the process of memory and how it is stored and retrieved.

LIMITATIONS:
However, the model has been criticised for reasons of oversimplification and failing to explain some of the memory phenomena and therefore human behaviour.
- Researchers have found that the STM and LTM are more complex than presented.
- The working model of memory suggests that the STM is composed of different components.
- The LTM can be split into declarative and procedural memory.