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The Multi-Store Model of Memory

Core Model Context

Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968)

The Multi-Store Model of Memory explains memory as a linear process involving three key stores – sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. The core premise highlights how information moves from immediate experience to long-term storage.

Model Stages Outline

1

Sensory Memory

Registers raw input from the environment briefly (less than one second for visual).
2

Short-Term Memory (STM)

Temporarily holds information in conscious awareness (15-30 seconds).
3

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

Stores information indefinitely, based primarily on meaning.

Key Memory Concepts

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Primacy Effect

Better recall of words at the beginning of the list. These early items are often transferred to LTM.
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Echoic Coding

Information encoded in Sensory Memory in its original auditory form.
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LTM Coding

Information in LTM is mostly coded semantically, based on meaning.
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Recency Effect

Better recall of words at the end of the list. These items remain in short-term memory.

STM Capacity Rule

Capacity = 7 ± 2 items
Miller (1956) quantified the limited capacity of Short-Term Memory. This means most people can hold between 5 and 9 pieces of information at any one time.

Memory Transfer Tip

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The Role of Rehearsal: Repeating information prolongs its duration in STM and increases the chance that it will be transferred to long-term memory.

Coding Mechanisms

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If I see a word written down (visual input), why is STM coding described as acoustic?
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STM primarily encodes acoustically! You might mentally repeat the word to remember it, converting visual input into sound for temporary storage.

Comparing Memory Stores

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Long-Term Memory (LTM)Capacity: Effectively unlimited. Duration: Can last a lifetime. Coding: Mostly semantic (meaning).
❌
Short-Term Memory (STM)Capacity: Limited (7±2 items). Duration: About 15-30 seconds. Coding: Primarily acoustic (sound).

Murdock Serial Position Findings (1962)

Murdock demonstrated the serial position effect, supporting the theory that STM and LTM are separate stores.

Position Effect Recall Rate Store Benefit
Beginning Primacy High LTM (Rehearsal)
End Recency High STM (Recent)
Middle None Poorer No Benefit
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Multi-Store Model of Memory Deck
Question
Key Stores

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

Answer
Stores

Sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.

Question
Sensory Memory Coding

How is information coded in sensory memory?

Answer
Coding

In its original sensory form — iconic (visual), echoic (auditory), or haptic (touch).

Question
Short-Term Memory Capacity

What is the capacity of short-term memory?

Answer
Capacity

Limited capacity, typically 7±2 items.

Question
Short-Term Memory Duration

How long does information last in short-term memory without rehearsal?

Answer
Duration

About 15-30 seconds.

Question
Long-Term Memory Coding

How is information coded in long-term memory?

Answer
Coding

Semantically, based on meaning.

Question
Long-Term Memory Duration

What is the duration of long-term memory?

Answer
Duration

Indefinite, from hours to a lifetime.

Question
Primacy Effect

What is the primacy effect?

Answer
Explanation

Better recall of words at the beginning of a list due to rehearsal and transfer to LTM.

Question
Recency Effect

What is the recency effect?

Answer
Explanation

Better recall of words at the end of a list because they remain in short-term memory.

Question
Murdock's Serial Position Curve

What did Murdock's Serial Position Curve study demonstrate?

Answer
Findings

The U-shaped recall curve showing primacy and recency effects, supporting separate STM and LTM stores.

Question
Role of Rehearsal

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

Answer
Function

Rehearsal prolongs STM duration and helps transfer information to LTM.

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🧠 Memory Stores Quiz

1. Which memory store has the shortest duration?

Sensory memory holds information for less than a second for visual input and a few seconds for auditory input.

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

Short-term memory mainly encodes information acoustically, even when the input is visual.

3. According to the Multi-Store Model, which store has an effectively unlimited capacity?

Long-term memory can hold an unlimited amount of information indefinitely.

4. Rehearsal increases the chance that information will be transferred from short-term memory to long-term memory. (True or False)

Rehearsing information prolongs its presence in STM and aids encoding into LTM.

5. The primacy effect is explained by:

Early list items are better remembered because they are rehearsed and encoded into LTM.

📊 Results

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  • GCSE
  • Neuropsychology and Brain
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