The Multi-Store Model of Memory (AQA GCSE Psychology)

What is the multi-store model of memory?

• The multi-store model of memory (MSM) explains how memory is processed via a series of storage components (Atkinson & Shiffrin, 1968)

• The MSM is a cognitive model of memory, similar to information processing models in computing

• The MSM tracks the onward flow of information:

  • from environmental stimuli

  • to sensory memory (SM)

  • to short-term memory (STM)

  • to long-term memory (LTM)

  • with the final output being the retrieved information

Sensory memory

• Sensory memory (SM) is the point at which information comes in from the five senses, for example:

  • The feeling of warm sun on the skin

  • The sound of birds chirping

  • The scent of a barbecue

  • The taste of tangy burger relish

  • The sight of sunburnt skin (note to self: don’t forget SPF…)

• The mind has to process all of the above information - and more - on a second-by-second basis so not all of the information entering SM will be attended to

• Duration of SM is around 0.5 seconds, up to several seconds at the very most

• Capacity of SM is huge, given the sheer volume of information that it has to deal with

• Coding in SM uses all five senses

Short-term memory

• Short-term memory (STM) can hold onto a limited amount of information for a relatively short period of time

• Information is kept active until it is either forgotten/lost or transferred to LTM

• Due to new information constantly entering STM it is a ‘first-in-first-out’ system, where new items push out old items 

• Items in STM are thus displaced by new information entering it

• Duration of STM is up to around 30 seconds

  • If items are rehearsed they can be kept in STM for longer than 30 seconds

  • Items which are rehearsed for a longer period of time can be transferred to LTM

• Capacity of STM is 7 items + or - 2, i.e. 5-9 items

• Coding in STM is acoustic i.e. sound/word-based

Long term memory

• Long term memory (LTM) is the part of the memory that holds information indefinitely, which makes it difficult to measure because:

  • People tend to forget or re-frame memories over time

  • There is no way for a researcher to check the validity of someone’s LTM (how can they know if a memory from 35 years ago is correct?)

  • They can only really be investigated using qualitative methods which do not lend themselves to large samples or accurate data

• Duration of LTM is potentially the duration of a person’s full lifespan

• Capacity of LTM is huge, possibly limitless, due to the brain’s ability to get rid of old, unused information and connections

• Coding in LTM is semantic i.e. based on meaning

Evaluation of different types of the multi-store model of memory

Strengths

• There is strong supporting evidence for the model, for example:

  • Glanzer & Cunitz (1966) - a lab experiment that demonstrated that STM and LTM may be separate memory stores

  • The case of Clive Wearing, who could form no new memories but had some intact LTM

• The model is clear and straightforward, highlighting how memories go from environmental stimuli to retrieved information

Weaknesses

• The model is overly simplistic with its linear design and lack of detail per memory type

• Lab experiments lack ecological validity and case studies of single participants cannot be generalised so research into the MSM has only limited usefulness