Cognitive
Psychology
,The Multistore Model
Atkinson and Shiffrin
-The multistore model is based on the
distinction between short term
memory and long-term memory.
-Each store is categorised on
duration, capacity and encoding.
-Sensory: duration of 1-2 secs,
capacity and encoding are modality
specific
-Short term memory: duration of 30
secs, capacity of 7 (+ or – 2) and
acoustic encoding.
-long term memory: duration of a
lifetime, unlimited capacity and
semantic encoding.
, The Multistore Model
Evaluation
S T R E N GT H S • WEAKNESSES
• Credibility: the primacy-recency effect: words recalled at the start of • Differences: the model can be argued as over si
a list are remembered because there has been time for rehearsal further research shows the 2 stores are indepen
and words at the end of a list are remembered because they are
one another, e.g. the working memory model sh
still in the short-term memory. Therefore, giving evidence for the
multistore model because it supports the existence of the two is much more complex and works by itself. The
separate stores. memory model explains the complexities better
• Credibility: the case of HM (henry Molaison): HM suffered seizures • Objections: the methods of testing STM and LTM
and underwent an operation to remove his hippocampus and ecological validity because in real life people do
amygdala. He then began to suffer amnesia, meaning he could not
time rehearsing events, yet they still acquire ne
form new memories or remember the last 11 years of his life. This
supports the model because he cannot store information long
term memories, e.g. flash bulb memories where
enough to transfer it to the long-term memory and the memories are so evocative no rehearsal is needed yet the
from the last 11 years of his life had not been rehearsed enough for accurately remembered, like Princess Diana’s de
him to remember. Supporting the 2 different stores.
• Objections: the case of KF where they could rec
• Application: helps those with dementia or brain damage who
information but not verbal immediately after se
struggle with memory. They should make colourful notes with
meaning.
suggests that the STM is much more complex, s
the idea that the model is over simplified.
Psychology
,The Multistore Model
Atkinson and Shiffrin
-The multistore model is based on the
distinction between short term
memory and long-term memory.
-Each store is categorised on
duration, capacity and encoding.
-Sensory: duration of 1-2 secs,
capacity and encoding are modality
specific
-Short term memory: duration of 30
secs, capacity of 7 (+ or – 2) and
acoustic encoding.
-long term memory: duration of a
lifetime, unlimited capacity and
semantic encoding.
, The Multistore Model
Evaluation
S T R E N GT H S • WEAKNESSES
• Credibility: the primacy-recency effect: words recalled at the start of • Differences: the model can be argued as over si
a list are remembered because there has been time for rehearsal further research shows the 2 stores are indepen
and words at the end of a list are remembered because they are
one another, e.g. the working memory model sh
still in the short-term memory. Therefore, giving evidence for the
multistore model because it supports the existence of the two is much more complex and works by itself. The
separate stores. memory model explains the complexities better
• Credibility: the case of HM (henry Molaison): HM suffered seizures • Objections: the methods of testing STM and LTM
and underwent an operation to remove his hippocampus and ecological validity because in real life people do
amygdala. He then began to suffer amnesia, meaning he could not
time rehearsing events, yet they still acquire ne
form new memories or remember the last 11 years of his life. This
supports the model because he cannot store information long
term memories, e.g. flash bulb memories where
enough to transfer it to the long-term memory and the memories are so evocative no rehearsal is needed yet the
from the last 11 years of his life had not been rehearsed enough for accurately remembered, like Princess Diana’s de
him to remember. Supporting the 2 different stores.
• Objections: the case of KF where they could rec
• Application: helps those with dementia or brain damage who
information but not verbal immediately after se
struggle with memory. They should make colourful notes with
meaning.
suggests that the STM is much more complex, s
the idea that the model is over simplified.
