Clever Grades

🎧 Read Aloud

MULTI-STORE MODEL (MSM) OF MEMORY

Foundational Memory Theory

The Atkinson-Shiffrin Model

The Multi-Store Model (MSM) of memory, proposed by Atkinson and Shiffrin in 1968, is a foundational theory describing how memory operates as a flow of information through three key stores: the sensory register, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). This model views memory as a linear process in which information is firstly detected through sensory input, then temporarily held and processed in the short-term store, and finally encoded into long-term storage if rehearsed adequately.

Sensory Register (SR) Characteristics

The sensory register is the initial stage of memory where sensory information from our environment is collected through the five senses—sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. It acts as a buffer holding raw information for a very brief period.

🖼️

Coding

Information in the sensory register is stored in the same form as it is detected.
♾️

Capacity

A very large capacity because it receives input from all senses continuously. (Ref: Sperling, 1960).
⏱️

Duration

Extremely brief, typically less than half a second to around 2 seconds.
🚪

Role

Acts as a gateway, filtering information either into short-term memory via attention or out into forgetting.

Short-Term Memory (STM) Data

Once information is selected from the sensory input, it enters STM. This store acts as the immediate working space for conscious awareness and active manipulation of information.

Store Primary Code Capacity (Items) Duration Key Study 1 Key Study 2 Transfer Mech.
STM Acoustic 7±2 18-30s Conrad (1964) Peterson & P. (1959) Rehearsal

Chunking and Capacity

🤔
Is the classic 7±2 figure for STM capacity still the standard?
🦉
Miller’s (1956) research suggested the average capacity is around 7±2 items. More recent work has refined this estimate closer to 4 chunks.

Transfer Mechanism Pro Tip

🔑

The Rehearsal Requirement: Active rehearsal is necessary to keep information in STM or transfer it into LTM. STM can be seen as the gateway for encoding information into LTM when rehearsal occurs.

Long-Term Memory (LTM) Attributes

LTM is the store where information can be held permanently or for extended periods. We can theoretically hold an immense amount of information across a lifetime, including facts, skills, experiences, and knowledge.

Characteristic Defining Feature Supporting Evidence
Primary Coding Semantic Baddeley (1966) showed semantically similar words are confused.
Capacity Unlimited There is no known limit to how much can be stored.
Duration Minutes to a lifetime Memories may remain stored indefinitely.

MSM Processing Sequence

The Multi-Store Model describes memory operation as a strict linear flow of data between the three key stores, dictated by control processes like attention and rehearsal.

1

Input

Stimuli enter through the sensory register.
2

Transfer to STM

Attention brings some info into STM.
3

Transfer to LTM

Rehearsal in STM transfers info to LTM.
4

Retrieval

Retrieval returns information from LTM to STM for use.

MSM Evaluation

✅
Model Strength The MSM is highly influential and provides a clear, simple structure (sensory, STM, LTM) that was fundamental to subsequent memory research.
❌
Major Criticism Although influential, the MSM has faced criticism for oversimplification; more complex models, such as the Working Memory Model, describe STM as a multi-component system rather than a unitary store.
```
Multi-Store Model of Memory Deck
Term
Key Stores in Multi-Store Model

What are the three key stores in the Multi-Store Model of memory?

Answer
Stores

Sensory register, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM).

Term
Proposers of Model

Who proposed the Multi-Store Model of memory and when?

Answer
Proposers

Atkinson and Shiffrin in 1968.

Term
Sensory Register Coding

How is information in the sensory register coded?

Answer
Coding

In the same form as detected; e.g., visual info visually (iconic), auditory info acoustically (echoic).

Term
Sensory Register Duration

What is the typical duration of information in the sensory register?

Answer
Duration

Less than half a second to around 2 seconds.

Term
STM Capacity

What is the capacity of short-term memory?

Answer
Capacity

About 7 ± 2 items or chunks, though recent estimates are closer to 4.

Term
STM Duration

How long does information usually last in STM without rehearsal?

Answer
Duration

Approximately 18 to 30 seconds.

Term
STM Coding

What type of coding is dominant in short-term memory?

Answer
Coding

Acoustic coding.

Term
LTM Coding

How is information primarily encoded in long-term memory?

Answer
Coding

Semantically (by meaning).

Term
LTM Duration

What is the duration of long-term memory storage?

Answer
Duration

From minutes to a lifetime; potentially unlimited.

Term
Role of Rehearsal

What role does rehearsal play in the Multi-Store Model?

Answer
Rehearsal

Maintenance rehearsal in STM helps transfer information into LTM.

Term
Information Flow

How does information flow in the Multi-Store Model?

Answer
Flow

Sensory register → attention → STM → rehearsal → LTM → retrieval → STM for use.

Term
Criticism

What is a major criticism of the Multi-Store Model?

Answer
Criticism

It oversimplifies memory and treats STM as a unitary store, unlike more complex models like the Working Memory Model.

Tip: Tap a card to flip. Shuffle or Reset anytime.

🧠 Multi-Store Model of Memory Quiz

1. Which of the following correctly lists the stages of the Multi-Store Model in order?

Information first enters the sensory register, then moves to STM, and finally is encoded into LTM.

2. What type of coding is primarily used in short-term memory?

STM mainly codes information acoustically, supported by evidence of confusions of similar sounds.

3. The duration of long-term memory is limited to a few hours. (True or False)

Long-term memory can last from minutes to a lifetime and has effectively unlimited duration.

4. Which process is crucial for transferring information from STM to LTM?

Rehearsal in STM allows encoding and transfer into LTM storage.

5. Which sense does NOT contribute to the sensory register in the Multi-Store Model?

All five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell) contribute to the sensory register.

📊 Results

  • Notes and Quiz
  • Psychology
  • AS & A Level
  • Memory
  • AQA