Evaluate the Multi-store model of memory.

by east-enders1 (student)

Zainab Bashar 12xF

Multi-store model of memory

Q) Evaluate the Multi-store model of memory.

The multi-store model of memory is an explanation of how memory processes work. The information –processing models of memory all share similar features in terms of the structures of the memory system. For example, there is a temporary store where information can be briefly kept while some other operation is perfomed, this is known as the short –term memory which can only handle limited amount of information at any one time. There is a permanent store where information will remain permanently unless there is some damage or disruption to the system; this is known as long term memory which can handle limitless amounts of information can be stored for long periods of time.

The multi-store model is a psychological model proposed in 1968 by Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin as proposal for the structure of the memory. It proposed that human memory involves a sequence of three stages and that is Sensory memory, Short-term memory and long-term memory. Each stage of the process, there are constraints in terms of capacity, duration and encoding. Atkinson and Shiffrin proposed that information enters the system from the environment and first registers on the sensory memory store where it stays for a very brief period of time before it passes on to the short-term memory store .

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The short-term memory store has a very small capacity i.e. it can only hold very small amounts of information at any one time .They can be lost within a few seconds if they are not repeated i.e. the store has a short duration. If the information is repeated, it is passed on to the long-term memory .Once it’s there it can stay for a lifetime although it can be lost through damage to the brain or through processes of decay or interference. The Atkinson and Shiffrin model is called a structural model because it focuses on the storage components of the memory system. Some of the control processes required to manipulate and transform the information as it flows through the system .This include encoding, retrieval strategies and rehearsal. Rehearsal is the most important processes for their model because information can be circulated within the short-term memory store and passed on to long-term memory store.

One strength, of the multi-store model is that it could be considered high in "face validity". Face Validity concerns whether or not it is a reasonable explanation (i.e., does it seems to make sense or fit with our experience). The multi-store model makes sense because most people experience only being able to remember some things for a few seconds, and rehearsal seems to enable memories to be stored for longer. Face validity, however, is a weak argument on its own, but a good starting point, so it is important to consider experimental evidence.

The serial position effect supports the Multi-store model because it appears that people rehearse the words at the start of the list more times than those later in the list, so they are transferred to long term memory. Words from the end of the list only tend to be remembered if recall is immediately after the list being read out – when they are still in short term memory. Some things are easier to remember than others because they are more interesting, more relevant, funnier and etc. Case study of the brain damaged H.M. also supports the Multi-store Model of Memory because following the removal of his hippocampi, H.M. was unable to transfer information from short term memory to long term memory even though he could remember new information for a few seconds and he could also recall information from before his hippocampi were removed.

One weakness, of the multi-store model is a case study of brain damaged participants such as Clive Wearing show that the Multi-store Model is an overview of how memory actually works. Clive Wearing suffered brain damage to many brain areas, including his hippocampi, when the herpes simplex virus attacked his brain. Clive was similar to H.M. in that he could not remember new information for more than a few seconds; however, he could learn new skills. This suggests that there is a separate long term memory for skills (Procedural Memory). Clive could also remember facts about his life previous to the illness, but could not remember any experiences. This meant that repeatedly had revelations that he was conscious for the first time. This suggests that there are separate long term memory stores for facts (semantic memory) and experiences (episodic memory).