The multi-store model (Atkinson and Shiffrin, 1968)

Summary

In this video, the speaker explores Atkinson and Shiffrin's Multi-Store Model of Memory, which explains how memories are formed and processed through three separate stores: sensory memory, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). The video covers the processes of attention, rehearsal, and retrieval that transfer information between these stores. It also highlights the significance of the model in psychology, its historical context during the cognitive revolution, and its continuing popularity. Key studies like H.M.'s case study and Peterson & Peterson's research support the model, while acknowledging its limitations and subsequent developments in memory theory.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Multi-Store Model of Memory by Atkinson and Shiffrin explains how memories are formed through three separate stores: sensory memory, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM).
• 😀 Sensory memory briefly holds incoming information from our senses (sight, sound, taste, etc.) for a fraction of a second before it's either processed or forgotten.
• 😀 Short-term memory (STM) holds a limited amount of information (around 7 items) for about 15-30 seconds. Attention transfers information from sensory memory to STM.
• 😀 Rehearsal is the process by which information in STM is transferred to long-term memory (LTM) through repetition and mental rehearsal.
• 😀 Long-term memory (LTM) is virtually limitless and can store information for an extended period, potentially for a lifetime.
• 😀 Memory retrieval involves searching the long-term memory and bringing information back into STM when needed for tasks or recollection.
• 😀 Forgetting occurs in multiple ways, such as decay (information fades) or displacement (new information pushes out old information) in the short-term store.
• 😀 The Multi-Store Model gained popularity during the cognitive revolution of the 1950s and 60s, offering a scientific approach to studying memory, in contrast to behaviorism.
• 😀 The model was influenced by studies such as HM's case study, Peterson and Peterson's research on decay, and the primacy-recency effect, all of which support the idea of distinct memory stores.
• 😀 The model's simplicity makes it a useful introduction to memory for beginners, though critics argue it oversimplifies complex cognitive processes.
• 😀 To excel in exams, students should focus on understanding and clearly labeling the three memory stores, explaining the control processes, and mentioning key studies that support the model.

Q & A

What is Atkinson and Shiffrin's Multi-Store Model of Memory?

Atkinson and Shiffrin's Multi-Store Model of Memory explains how memory works by dividing it into three distinct stores: sensory memory, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). Information flows between these stores through processes like attention, rehearsal, and retrieval.

What is the role of sensory memory in the Multi-Store Model?

Sensory memory is the initial stage where information enters through the senses (sight, sound, etc.) and is briefly held. It allows us to process and filter information before it moves to short-term memory if we pay attention to it.

How does information transfer from sensory memory to short-term memory?

Information moves from sensory memory to short-term memory when we pay attention to it. If we don't focus on the sensory input, it won't be retained in short-term memory.

What is short-term memory (STM) and how long does it last?

Short-term memory is the store that holds a limited amount of information (about 7 items) for 15-30 seconds. This store is where active thinking occurs, and information can decay or be displaced if not rehearsed.

What is the process of rehearsal in the Multi-Store Model?

Rehearsal is the process of actively repeating or thinking about information to keep it in short-term memory or to transfer it to long-term memory. This is how information moves from STM to LTM.

How is information retrieved from long-term memory (LTM)?

Information is retrieved from long-term memory by searching for it and bringing it back into short-term memory. This retrieval process allows us to access stored memories for use in tasks or decision-making.

What is the concept of displacement in short-term memory?

Displacement occurs in short-term memory when new information enters, causing older information to be pushed out. This is a form of forgetting due to limited capacity in STM.

How does the Multi-Store Model account for forgetting?

The model suggests that forgetting can happen through decay (when memories fade if not rehearsed) or displacement (when new information pushes out old memories in short-term memory). Long-term memory can also suffer from interference.

Why is the Multi-Store Model still popular despite being over 50 years old?

The Multi-Store Model remains popular because it was a pioneering framework that emerged during the cognitive revolution, providing a simple yet effective explanation of memory. It has also inspired subsequent research and theories on memory processes.

What are some critiques of the Multi-Store Model?

Critics argue that the Multi-Store Model oversimplifies memory by treating it as a linear process with distinct stores, ignoring the complexity of memory processes. Additionally, it fails to explain how memories are organized and processed within each store.