Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/teacher-cpd/cpd-retrieval-practice-seneca-certified/1-2-1-the-multi-store-model-of-memory

[Revision notes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes.md) › [Teacher CPD](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/teacher-cpd.md) › [CPD: Retrieval Practice - Seneca Certified](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/teacher-cpd/cpd-retrieval-practice-seneca-certified.md) › The Multi-Store Model of Memory

# The Multi-Store Model of Memory

CPD: Retrieval Practice (by Kate Jones), topic 1.2.1

## The Multi-Store Model of Memory

To fully grasp retrieval practice, we need to have a contextual
understanding and awareness of the distinction between the different
types of memory: predominantly, short-term and long-term memory.

### The multi-store model of memory

![The multi-store model of memory](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2020-04/58f7d596-1e0a-4631-923c-4ce352486d65/Multi%20Store%20Memory%20Model%20(3).png)

- A good starting point for understanding the key differences between short-term memory (also referred to as 'working memory') and long-term memory is the multi-store model of memory by Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin.
- They proposed that memory consisted of three stores.

### 1) The sensory store

![1) The sensory store](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2020-04/f0715840-96e5-463e-8b05-832353a1fce4/information-.png)

- The first is the sensory store, where new information is encoded.
 - Subsequently, in the learning process, we begin at the attention and
encoding stage. But it’s important to note that this is not the only stage
in the learning process, it’s just the beginning.

### 2) The short-term memory

![2) The short-term memory](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/dbd08d96-eca2-49aa-a156-c5489b2817a4/brain-rubber-memory-loss.jpg)

- Information is then passed on to the second store: the short-term
memory.
 - When we encounter new material, the information is stored for a very
brief time in our short-term memory. This is because the capacity (how much information) and duration (how long we can store it) of our short-term memory is very limited. 
- The length of time information can be stored in our short-term memory can vary between individuals - from a few seconds to a few minutes.

### The duration of working memory

![The duration of working memory](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/32f6dd6b-e2b1-45c5-b845-336a731e7a12/shutterstock_119956342.jpg)

- Peterson and Peterson (1959) investigated the duration of working
memory and the various factors that cause working memory to decay.
 - They concluded that almost all information stored in short-term
memory and not rehearsed is lost within 18 to 30 seconds! 
- That is alarming when we consider the implications for that in the classroom
and this emphasises the importance of repeated exposure to content,
concepts, vocabulary and skills.

### 3) The long-term memory

![3) The long-term memory](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-06/19508373-2552-4280-9e9a-5ef701cc9781/brain.jpg)

- Finally, if information has been rehearsed and retained beyond short-term/working memory then it is then stored in what is known as our long-term memory. 
 - But it is not enough to be able to store that information in our long-term memory – we need to be able to retrieve it from there too.

### The three stages of memory

![The three stages of memory](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2020-04/90a95b69-a838-4ed0-8609-faa8904dd297/Three-Stages-Memory%20(2).png)

- The three stages of memory discussed are classed as the encoding,
storage and retrieval stages.
- This is based on the work of Arthur Melton (1963).

## Test yourself on The Multi-Store Model of Memory

- According to Peterson and Peterson (1959), how long does it take for the short-term memory to lose all unrehearsed information?
- What word should replace the question mark in this diagram of the multi-store model of memory?

[Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/a5b722e6-eb4e-4702-b872-cfd9e5525bc8/section/5d76c37c-77c2-4257-8662-47fce1a45c49/session)

- Previous topic: [1.1.2 The Importance of Retrieval Practice for Educators](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/teacher-cpd/cpd-retrieval-practice-seneca-certified/1-1-2-the-importance-of-retrieval-practice-for-educators.md)
- Next topic: [1.2.2 Retrieval Storage, Strength & 'Procedural Memory'](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/teacher-cpd/cpd-retrieval-practice-seneca-certified/1-2-2-retrieval-storage-strength-and-procedural-memory.md)

## CPD: Retrieval Practice (by Kate Jones) contents

### 1 A Brief Introduction to Retrieval Practice
- 1.1 Introduction to Retrieval Practice
  - [1.1.1 What is Retrieval Practice?](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/teacher-cpd/cpd-retrieval-practice-seneca-certified/1-1-1-what-is-retrieval-practice.md)
  - [1.1.2 The Importance of Retrieval Practice for Educators](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/teacher-cpd/cpd-retrieval-practice-seneca-certified/1-1-2-the-importance-of-retrieval-practice-for-educators.md)
- 1.2 Useful Information About Memory
  - [1.2.1 The Multi-Store Model of Memory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/teacher-cpd/cpd-retrieval-practice-seneca-certified/1-2-1-the-multi-store-model-of-memory.md)
  - [1.2.2 Retrieval Storage, Strength & 'Procedural Memory'](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/teacher-cpd/cpd-retrieval-practice-seneca-certified/1-2-2-retrieval-storage-strength-and-procedural-memory.md)

### 2 Research Findings on Retrieval Practice
- 2.1 Benefits of Retrieval Practice
  - [2.1.1 5 Benefits of Retrieval Practice](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/teacher-cpd/cpd-retrieval-practice-seneca-certified/2-1-1-5-benefits-of-retrieval-practice.md)
  - [2.1.2 5 More Benefits of Retrieval Practice](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/teacher-cpd/cpd-retrieval-practice-seneca-certified/2-1-2-5-more-benefits-of-retrieval-practice.md)

### 3 Retrieval Practice in the Classroom
- 3.1 Classroom Activities for Retrieval Practice
  - [3.1.1 Picture Prompt](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/teacher-cpd/cpd-retrieval-practice-seneca-certified/3-1-1-picture-prompt.md)
  - [3.1.2 Quiz, Quiz, Trade & Cops & Robbers](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/teacher-cpd/cpd-retrieval-practice-seneca-certified/3-1-2-quiz-quiz-trade-and-cops-and-robbers.md)
  - [3.1.3 Retrieval Relay Race](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/teacher-cpd/cpd-retrieval-practice-seneca-certified/3-1-3-retrieval-relay-race.md)
  - [3.1.4 List It!](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/teacher-cpd/cpd-retrieval-practice-seneca-certified/3-1-4-list-it.md)

### 4 Retrieval Practice & Revision Strategies
- 4.1 Retrieval Practice & Revision Strategies
  - [4.1.1 Flash Cards (Leitner System)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/teacher-cpd/cpd-retrieval-practice-seneca-certified/4-1-1-flash-cards-leitner-system.md)
  - [4.1.2 Roll & Retrieve Grids; Thinking & Linking Grids](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/teacher-cpd/cpd-retrieval-practice-seneca-certified/4-1-2-roll-and-retrieve-grids-thinking-and-linking-grids.md)
  - [4.1.3 Revision Clocks & Retrieve, Record & Reflect](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/teacher-cpd/cpd-retrieval-practice-seneca-certified/4-1-3-revision-clocks-and-retrieve-record-and-reflect.md)