AQA A-Level Paper 1: Memory (2022 Advanced Information)

What is the multi-store model of memory? - An explanation of memory based on three separate memory stores. - Describes how information is transferred between these stores - Also details what makes memories last, and some dissappear. What are the three stores involved in the MSM? - Sensory register - Short-term memory - Long-term memory What is the sensory register comprised of? - The iconic (visual information). - The echoic (acoustic information). What is the duration and capacity of the sensory register? - Duration is less than half a second. - Capacity is very high. What is the duration and capacity of STM and how is it coded? - Duration of about 18 seconds. - Capacity of between 5 and 9 items of information. - Coded mainly acoustically. Duration of STM- Peterson and Peterson 24 students were given consonant syllables to remember whilst simultaneously counting back from a 3- digit number in 3s It was found that- participants could recall the consonant syllable after 18- 30 seconds of counting back from a 3- digit number Capacity of STM Miller suggested that it was 7+/-2 Jacobs found a mean of 7.3 letters and 9.3 numbers could be recalled What is the duration and capacity of LTM and how is it coded? - Duration may be up to a lifetime. - Capacity is practically unlimited. - Coded mostly semantically. Duration of LTM (Bahrick et al) Aim, investigate duration of LTM Procedure, 400 ppts. aged between 17 and 74 who had left high school. left within 15 years- 90% accurate on photo recognition, 60% accurate on free recall left within 48 years- 70% accurate on photo recognition, 30% accurate on free recall Strength of the multi-store model of memory Research support - Support from studies showing LTM and STM are different. - Baddeley found we mix up words that sound similar when using STM's, but we mix up words with similar meanings when using our LTM's. - Shows STM and LTM are different stores of memory. Limitation of the multi-store model of memory More than one STM store - There is evidence suggesting there is more than one STM store. - Shallice and Warrington studied a client known as KF with amnesia and found his STM for digits was poor when read out loud to him, but it was better when he read it himself. - Shows that the MSM may be wrong in claiming that there is just one STM store which processes different types of information. What is the working memory model? - A representation of STM. - Suggests STM is a dynamic processor of different types of information using sub-units which are controlled by central decision making system. - Consists of four main components.