Cognitive Level of Analysis Lesson objective: to evaluate the Multi – store model of memory

Starter What if everybody had a perfect memory? What if we didn’t have short-term memory? What if we didn’t have long-term memory? What if we had no memory at all? Discuss…

Memory Memory – the Process by which we store and retrieve information, using the mental processes of learning, retention, recall and recognition Several models on how memory works and functions in a more specific way have been created We’ll be looking at: Multi-store model by Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968) Working Memory by Baddeley & Hitch (1974) Levels of Processing by Craik and Lockhart (1972)

Make a Model on how Memory might work… What’s a model?

The Multi-store Model (Atkinson & Shiffrin, 1968)

The Multi-Store Model SM The multi-store model consists of sensory memory (SM) with: STM short-term memory (STM) LTM long-term memory (LTM)

STM and LTM STM is a system for temporarily storing and managing information required to carry out complex cognitive tasks such as learning, reasoning, and comprehension. LTM is a system for permanently storing, managing, and retrieving information for later

The multi-store model explained Information must pass through each of these stages in order to pass on to the next stage But information can also be lost at any stage in the model

Evaluate the Multi-store Model (Atkinson & Shiffrin, 1968)

Evaluation of the Multi-store model It is unlikely that different kinds of knowledge, such as remembering how to play a computer game, the rules of subtraction and remembering what we did yesterday are all stored within a single, long-term memory store (eg. Muscle Memory) Both STM and LTM do not operate in a single, uniform fashion Too simplistic – makes the complex concept of memory seem simple.

Evaluation of Multi-store model There is neurological evidence H.M. had, amongst other parts of the brain, his hippocampus and amygdala removed in an attempt to cure his epilepsy Especially due to the loss of the hippocampus he was unable to form / consolidate LTM, by transferring information from STM to LTM

The Multi-store Model (Atkinson & Shiffrin, 1968)

To sum up… There is evidence for a distinction between STM and LTM (Serial Position Effect) Both STM and LTM do not operate in a single, uniform fashion It is unlikely that different kinds of knowledge, are all stored within a single, long-term memory store H.M. was unable to transfer information from STM to LTM For Against Which is for or against the Multi-store model?

Peterson and Peterson (1959) Aim: To investigate the duration of short-term memory, and provide empirical evidence for the multi-store model. Findings: The longer the interval delay the less trigrams were recalled. Participants were able to recall 80% of trigrams after a 3 seconds delay. However, after 18 seconds less than 10% of trigrams were recalled correctly. Procedure: A lab experiment was conducted in which 24 participants (psychology students) had to recall trigrams (meaningless three-consonant syllables, e.g. TGH). To prevent rehearsal participants were asked to count backwards in threes or fours from a specified random number until they saw a red light appear. This is known as the brown peterson technique. Participants were asked to recall trigrams after intervals of 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 or 18 seconds. Conclusion: Short-term memory has a limited duration when rehearsal is prevented. It is thought that this information is lost from short-term memory from trace decay. The results of the study also show the short-term memory is different from long-term memory in terms of duration. Thus supporting the multi-store model of memory.

The serial position effect

YOU HAVE EXACTLY 20 Seconds There are 26 words. Remember as many as you can.

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Baddeley and Hitch

Evaluation Much more detailed explanation of STM than the MSM Explains why and how people can perform different cognitive tasks at the same time – multi-tasking Supported by multiple research studies. Criticism that Visuospatial Sketchpad needs to be divided into TWO separate stores, one for visual, the other for spatial (Lieberman 1980 – Blind People) Little direct evidence on how the central executive works or what it does Only includes STM and so can’t be considered a whole model of memory

And where do these others fit? Cole & Scribner (1974) Peterson & Peterson (1959) Anderson & Pitchert (1978) Murdock (1962) Anything else? – There are at least 10 more mentioned across both readings. If you feel that you are lacking evidence for any of the aspects. Simply refer to the book and then extend your research.