Multistore Model – Akinson and Shiffrin (1968)

Recall/Retrieval

Attention

Output Rehearsal

Evidence for Multi-store model:

. Primacy-Recency Effect - Atkinson (1970). When presented with lists to remember we recall first and last items best. First items rehearsed into LTM and last items recalled from STM. Ones in middle less likely to be recalled. This is evidence for existence of several stores.

2. Brown -Peterson Technique suggests that if rehearsal of items is prevented then information does not enter LTM.

3. Amnesiacs caused by Korsakoffs Syndrome brought on by chronic alcoholism display sound STM functioning but impaired LTM. This suggests separate and distinct memory stores.

4. Shallice and Warrington (1970). Case study of K.F. who suffered brain damage because of motorbike accident. STM impaired but LTM intact.

Evidence against Multi-store Model:

. De Groot (1966) showed how expert chess players had phenomenal STM for chess positions as long as they fitted in with known rules. When pieces were randomly arranged their recall was no better than non-chess players therefore STM and LTM may not be so separate and distinct.

Multi-store model is basic and limited in explaining such a complex phenomena as memory.