The Multi-Store Model of Memory (MSM)
Multi-store Model of Memory
The multi-store model of memory (Atkinson & Shiffrin, 1968) proposes that memory consists of three stores: sensory memory, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). Sensory memory briefly holds vast information, STM retains a finite time period, and LTM stores information indefinitely with retrieval processes to access information.
The MSM argues that memory is structured into three distinct stores:
- Sensory Memory Store:
- Duration: Very brief (1 second for visual, 2–5 seconds for auditory stimuli).
- Capacity: Unlimited, but decays rapidly unless attended to.
- Transfer Condition: Attention is required to transfer information to STM.
- Short-term Memory Store (STM):
- Duration: Up to 30 seconds without rehearsal.
- Capacity: 7 ± 2 chunks of information (Miller, 1956).
- Transfer Condition: Rehearsal prolongs memory duration and facilitates consolidation into LTM.
- Long-term Memory Store (LTM):
- Duration: Potentially lifelong.
- Capacity: Virtually unlimited.
- Transfer Condition: Retrieval processes allow access to information from LTM.
These stores operate sequentially, with information transferring between them through specific processes such as attention and rehearsal. The model also highlights the role of rehearsal in consolidating memories into the LTM.
Key MSM Studies
Case studyPeterson and Peterson (1959)
Aim: To investigate the duration of STM when rehearsal is prevented.
Method: Laboratory experiment.
Procedure: Participants were presented with trigrams (e.g., "MPT") and asked to count backward in threes from a random number for 0, 6, 12, or 18 seconds to prevent rehearsal.
Results: Recall accuracy decreased as the time delay increased, with nearly no recall after 18 seconds.
Conclusion: STM has a limited duration (around 20 seconds) unless rehearsal occurs.
Case studyGlanzer and Cunitz (1966)
Aim: To investigate the serial position effect and its relationship to the MSM.
Method: Laboratory experiment using repeated measures.
Procedure: Participants listened to a list of 15 words and either recalled them immediately or after a 10- or 30-second distraction task involving counting backward.
Results: The primacy effect (better recall of early words) remained after a delay, while the recency effect (better recall of recent words) disappeared.
Conclusion: STM and LTM are distinct stores; recency effects rely on STM, while primacy effects result from rehearsal transferring information to LTM.
Evaluation of the MSM
Strengths:
- Parsimonious and heuristic: Inspired significant research and further models like the working memory model (WMM).
- Explains phenomena such as serial position effects.
Limitations:
- Oversimplified: Assumes rote rehearsal is the sole process for transferring information into LTM.
- Neglects the influence of emotion and other factors on memory formation.
- Treats STM and LTM as unitary stores, despite evidence suggesting sub-components (e.g., procedural vs. declarative memory).
The Working Memory Model (WMM)
Working Memory Model
Proposed by Baddeley and Hitch (1974), the working memory model elaborates on the STM component of the multi-store model, suggesting it is not a single store but consists of multiple components working together to process information.
- Central Executive:
- The "manager" of working memory, allocating resources to the slave systems.
- Capacity: Limited, handles attentional control.
- The "manager" of working memory, allocating resources to the slave systems.
