Describe and Evaluate the MultiStore Model of Memory

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Describe and Evaluate the Multi–Store Model of Memory

The multi-store model of memory is based on the assumption that there are three kinds of memory which are sensory memory, short-term memory and long-term memory. Sensory memory is a storage system that holds information in a relatively unprocessed form for fractions of a second after the physical stimulus is no longer available. Short-term memory is a system for storing information for brief periods of time. Long-term memory holds a vast quantity of information that can be stored for long periods of time. Most information is processed through the STM and is rehearsed and then transferred to the LTM.

          Support for this model comes from research into encoding, capacity and duration. The sensory memory store includes visual sensory memory, acoustic sensory memory and touch, smell and motor information, the information can only last a few seconds unless it is attended to. The STM has a capacity of 7+ /-2 items and duration of 18 seconds and information is encoded acoustically. LTM’s capacity is unlimited, it’s encoded semantically and the duration can be recalled immediately and you can use different links to retrieve it. The MSM also includes two processes which are attention and rehersal which moves information along to the long term store.

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          Evidence in support of the model includes work by Mudock’s serial position curve which showed a primary and recency effect. The primary and recency effect found by Glanzer and Cunitz suggests the existence of 2 separate stores. The first few words on the list go into the LTM store because they are sufficiently rehearsed, the last few words are held in the STM store from where they are last recalled. Acoustic rehersal is sometimes the best way of putting information into LTM for more permanent retention.

         The brain damaged patients also ...

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