2.1.1

Multi-Store Model of Memory

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The Multi-Store Model of Memory

The multi-store model of memory (also known as the modal model) was proposed by Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968) and was one of the first models of memory.

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Memory stages

  • For a memory to go into storage (i.e. long-term memory), it has to pass through three distinct stages: the sensory register, short-term memory, and finally long-term memory.
  • These stages were first proposed by Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin.
  • Their model of human memory is called Atkinson-Shiffrin (A-S). It is based on the belief that we process memories in the same way that a computer processes information.
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Memory variables

  • There are three variables that can be used to describe the stores that information passes through: coding, capacity and duration.
    • Coding is the process of changing information from the environment to store it in memory.
    • Capacity is the amount of information that can be stored.
    • Duration is the time period that information is held in the memory stores.

Sensory Register

The sensory register store is constantly getting information from all of our senses about the world around us. The information is quickly discarded or transferred to short-term memory.

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Sensory register storage

  • In the Atkinson-Shiffrin model, stimuli from the environment are processed first in sensory register - storage of brief sensory events, such as sights, sounds, and tastes.
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Duration

  • It is very brief storage - up to a couple of seconds.
  • We are constantly bombarded with sensory information.
  • We cannot absorb all of it, or even most of it. Most of it has no impact on our lives.
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What is stored?

  • Sensory information can be sights, sounds, smells, and even textures.
  • If we do not view the information as valuable information, we discard it, and its duration will be very short.
  • If we view something as valuable, the information will move into our short-term memory system.
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Summary

  • Duration: very quick (0.5 seconds).
  • Capacity: large (all sensory experience that we encounter in our day to day life).
  • Coding: specific to each sense.
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Example study

  • One study of the sensory register researched the significance of valuable information on short-term memory storage.
  • J. R. Stroop discovered a memory phenomenon in the 1930s: you will name a colour more easily if it appears printed in that colour, which is called the Stroop effect.
  • In other words, the word “red” that is coloured red will be named more quickly, than any other word that is coloured red.

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1Social Influence

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3Attachment

4Psychopathology

5Approaches in Psychology

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