Outline and evaluate the Multi-Store Model

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Outline and evaluate the Multi-Store Model of memory

Atkinson and Schiffer (1969) proposed the model explaining memory in terms of 3 main stores: sensory memory, short term memory and long term memory.

It states that everything from the environment will enter as incoming information via the 5 senses into the sensory memory store, which has a duration of 1-2 seconds, where most of the information is filtered. Information which is not needed is forgotten and information which you pay attention to, is then stored in the short term memory, single storage unit, which has a capacity of 7 +/- 2 (Miller 1956) and duration of 18 seconds (Peterson & Peterson 1959). In order to remember the information, you have to rehearse it (1-1000 times). Information can then be encoded semantically to be stored in long term memory (Baddeley 1966). The stored memory in long term memory can last from 2 minutes up to a lifetime and can be retrieved to short term memory for it to be processed and used. Memories can also be forgotten by decay if it is not used in long term memory and short term memory. Long term memory can also be forgotten by displacement, where old memories are replaced with new.

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Eysenck and Keane in 2000, criticised the multi store model as being ‘oversimplified’ as long term memory and short term memory are represented as just a single storage unit showing it has a limited store. This is not the case as Shallice and Warrington (1974) studied KF a motorcyclist from an accident, his long term memory was fine but short term memory was poor. His short term memory was only limited to verbal matter and not meaningful sounds, this shows that short term memory is not simply one storage unit, but divided into sections.

Glanzer & Cunitz Serial ...

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