Describe and evaluate the Multi-Store Model (MMS) of memory.
The MMS, described by Atkinson and Shiffrin, states that memory is made up of the sensory store, the short term memory and the long term memory. The sensory store is made up of the eyes, ears, fingers, nose, tongue etc and the corresponding areas of the brain. The sensory stores are constantly receiving information but most of this receives no attention and remains in there for a very brief period. If attention is paid it is transferred to the STM, where it is held in a fragile state and will disappear unless rehearsed. The STM has a very limited capacity (approximately 4 chunks). Information then moves from the STM through maintenance rehearsal to the LTM which has a potentially limitless capacity. Atkinson and Shiffrin proposed a direct relationship between rehearsal in the STM and the strength of the LTM.