1. Cognitive Level of Analysis: Part III
A Model of Memory:
The Multi-Store Model of Memory

2. Atkinson and Shiffrin
Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968) were the first to suggest a basic structure of memory, with their multi-store model of memory.
Memory consists of a number of separate stores
Memory processes are sequential
Model is very simplistic and reflects knowledge of 1960s
This is the most influential model to date.
Model was suggested in the 1960s and it was inspired by computer science, with the idea of humans as information processors.

3. Multi-Store Model Sensory Memory Short-Term Memory Long-Term Memory
Rehearsal
Sensory Memory
Short-Term Memory
Encoding
Long-Term Memory
Selective attention
Sensory
Input
Retrieval
For permanent memory storage, processes such as attention, coding, and rehearsal are essential.
You need to pay attention to something in order to remember it, you need to give the material a form which enables you to remember it. Rehearsal simply means keeping material active in memory by repeating it until it can be stored.
The model contains several stores. Information from the world enters the sensory memory, it stays here for FEW SECONDS, only a small portion of the information will continue in to the short-term memory store (STM)
Decay
Displacement
Loss
(not available)

4. Multi-Store Model
Sensory memory – modality specific, meaning related to different senses (e.g. hearing, vision)
Short-Term Memory (STM) – capacity limited to 7 items, duration is about 6-12 seconds. Material is quickly lost if not given attention.
Long-Term Memory(LTM) – unlimited capacity, stored in outline form
For permanent memory storage, processes such as attention, coding, and rehearsal are essential.
You need to pay attention to something in order to remember it, you need to give the material a form which enables you to remember it. Rehearsal simply means keeping material active in memory by repeating it until it can be stored. Rehearsal plays a key role in determining what is stored in LTM. LTM vast storehouse of information – unlimited although psychologists don’t know how much can be stored. The material is not an exact copy, it’s in outline form. Memories may be distorted when retrieved, because we fill in gaps to create a meaningful memory as predicted by schema theory.

5. The Working Memory Model
Central Executive
Visuospatial sketchpad
Phonological loop
Episodic buffer
Long-term storage memory