HUMAN COGNITION: A MULTISTORE MEMORY MODEL

• The multi-store model is an explanation of memory proposed by

Atkinson and Shiffrin which assumes there are three unitary (separate)
memory stores, and that information is transferred between these stores
in a linear sequence.
• The three main stores are the sensory memory, short-term memory
(STM) and long-term memory (LTM).
• Each of the memory stores differs in the way information is processed
(encoding), how much information can be stored (capacity), and for how
long (duration).
• Information passes from store to store in a linear way, and has been
described as an information processing model (like a computer) with an
input, process and output.
• Information is detected by the sense organs and enters the sensory
memory, which stores a fleeting impression of sensory stimuli. If
attended to this information enters the STM and if the information is
given meaning (elaborative rehearsal) it is passed on to the LTM

The multi-store model of memory (also known as the modal model) was
proposed by Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin (1968) and is a
structural model. They proposed that memory consisted of three stores: a
sensory register, short-term memory (STM) and long-term memory
(LTM).

THE MEMORY STORES

Each store is a unitary structure and has its own characteristics in terms
of encoding, capacity and duration.

Encoding is the way information is changed so that it can be stored in the

memory. There are three main ways in which information can be encoded
(changed):
1. visual (picture),
2. acoustic (sound),
 3. semantic (meaning).
Capacity concerns how much information can be stored.
Duration refers to the period of time information can last in the memory
stores.

1) SENSORY MEMORY

• Duration: ¼ to ½ second
• Capacity: all sensory experience (v. larger capacity)
• Encoding: sense specific (e.g. different stores for each sense)
The sensory stores are constantly receiving information but most of this
receives no attention and remains in the sensory register for a very brief
period.
In the sensory memory store, information arrives from the 5 senses such
as sight (visual information), sounds and touch. The sensory memory
store has a large capacity but a very brief duration, it can encode
information from any of the senses and most of the information is lost
through decay.
Attention is the first step in remembering something, if a person’s
attention is focused on one of the sensory stores then the data is
transferred to STM.
2) SHORT TERM MEMORY

Duration: 0-18 seconds

 • Capacity: 7 +/- 2 items
• Encoding: mainly auditory
The short-term memory store has a duration of up to 30 seconds, has a
capacity of 7+/-2 chunks and mainly encodes information acoustically.
Information is lost through displacement or decay.
Maintenance rehearsal is the process of verbally or mentally repeating
information, which allows the duration of short-term memory to be
extended beyond 30 seconds. An example of maintenance rehearsal
would be remembering a phone number only long enough to make the
phone call.
This type of rehearsal usually involves repeating information without
thinking about its meaning or connecting it to other information.
Continual rehearsal “regenerates” or “renews” the information in the
memory trace, thus making it a stronger memory when transferred to the
Long Term store.
If maintenance rehearsal (repetition) does not occur, then information is
forgotten, and lost from short term memory through the processes of
displacement or decay.
3) LONG TERM MEMORY

Duration: Unlimited
• Capacity: Unlimited
• Encoding: Mainly Semantic (but can be visual and auditory)
The long-term memory store has unlimited capacity and duration and
encodes information semantically. Information can be recalled from LTM
back into the STM when it is needed.
If the information is given meaning (elaborative rehearsal) it is passed on
to the LTM.
Elaborative rehearsal involves the process of linking new information in
a meaningful way with information already stored in long-term memory.
For example, you could learn the lines in a play by relating the dialogue
and behavior of your character to similar personal experiences you
remember.
Elaborative rehearsal is more effective than maintenance rehearsal for
remembering new information as it helps to ensure that information is
encoded well. It is a deeper level of information-processing.