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The multi-store model of memory
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Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968) described memory as a set of separate stores, with information flowing between them.
The three stores
Sensory register: holds information from the senses for a very short time (less than a second for what we see). It has a large capacity, but most information is lost unless we pay attention to it.
Short-term memory (STM): capacity about 7 plus or minus 2 items; duration about 18 to 30 seconds without rehearsal.
Long-term memory (LTM): capacity potentially unlimited; duration potentially a lifetime.
Short-term memory (STM): capacity about 7 plus or minus 2 items; duration about 18 to 30 seconds without rehearsal.
Long-term memory (LTM): capacity potentially unlimited; duration potentially a lifetime.
Attention and rehearsal
Attention: information in the sensory register only moves into STM if we pay attention to it.
Rehearsal: repeating information keeps it in STM (maintenance rehearsal). If rehearsed enough, it is transferred to LTM.
Information is retrieved from LTM back into STM when we need it.
Information is lost from STM through decay (fading) or displacement (pushed out by new information).
Rehearsal: repeating information keeps it in STM (maintenance rehearsal). If rehearsed enough, it is transferred to LTM.
Information is retrieved from LTM back into STM when we need it.
Information is lost from STM through decay (fading) or displacement (pushed out by new information).
Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths: supported by research such as Peterson and Peterson (1959), showing STM lasts only seconds without rehearsal. Case studies like HM support separate STM and LTM stores: his STM worked but new LTMs did not form.
Weaknesses: it is too simple. Later research suggested STM has several parts (the working memory model) and LTM has different types (for example memory for events versus skills). Rehearsal is not always needed: we remember some shocking events after one experience.
Weaknesses: it is too simple. Later research suggested STM has several parts (the working memory model) and LTM has different types (for example memory for events versus skills). Rehearsal is not always needed: we remember some shocking events after one experience.
Why do you forget most of the faces you pass in a busy street?
- The faces enter the sensory register.
- You do not pay attention to most of them.
- Without attention, they never reach STM and are lost.
Answer: You do not attend to them, so they are lost from the sensory register before reaching STM.
The multi-store model has three stores: sensory register, STM and LTM. Attention moves information into STM, and rehearsal moves it into LTM. It is supported by Peterson and Peterson and HM, but is too simple.
The interactive lesson includes the diagrams for this topic.
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