Multi Store Memory Model Notes
Key Definitions
● Multi-store model (MSM): A representation of how memory works using three
stores and the processes that transfer information between them.
● Sensory register: The memory stores for our senses.
● Short-term memory (STM): A limited capacity store that holds temporary
information.
● Long-term memory (LTM): A potentially permanent memory store for information
that’s been rehearsed repeatedly.
● Maintenance rehearsal: The process of repeating material to ourselves to keep it in
the STM or transfer to the LTM.
● Retrieval: The process of transferring information from the LTM back to the STM so
it can be used.
● Elaborative rehearsal: Linking new information to existing knowledge to transfer it to
the LTM, as opposed to just repeating it.
The Multi-store Model (Atkinson & Shiffrin)
Atkinson and Shiffrin developed the MSM to show how information flows through the
memory system.
It suggests that memory isn’t a single unit but is made up of three separate stores linked by
specific processes.
1. Environmental stimuli first enter the sensory register.
2. Information moves from the Sensory register to the STM once attention is paid to it.
3. It can be kept there through maintenance rehearsal and, if rehearsed enough it
passes to the LTM.
Features of the three stores
Sensory Register:
Is modality specific e.g. iconic for visual information & echoic for auditory information
Short-term memory (STM):
● Coded mainly acoustically (by sound)
● Limited capacity of 5-9 items
Long-term memory (LTM):
● Coded semantically (by meaning)
● Unlimited capacity
● Bahrick et al. (1975) found that LTM can last a lifetime due to participants
recognising school classmates faces around 50 years after graduation
The Case of HM (Henry Molaison)
● HM went through brain surgery for epilepsy (removal of his hippocampus from both
sides of the brain).
● Post surgery HM was unable to form new long-term memories e.g. reading the
same magazine with no memory of it.
Key Definitions
● Multi-store model (MSM): A representation of how memory works using three
stores and the processes that transfer information between them.
● Sensory register: The memory stores for our senses.
● Short-term memory (STM): A limited capacity store that holds temporary
information.
● Long-term memory (LTM): A potentially permanent memory store for information
that’s been rehearsed repeatedly.
● Maintenance rehearsal: The process of repeating material to ourselves to keep it in
the STM or transfer to the LTM.
● Retrieval: The process of transferring information from the LTM back to the STM so
it can be used.
● Elaborative rehearsal: Linking new information to existing knowledge to transfer it to
the LTM, as opposed to just repeating it.
The Multi-store Model (Atkinson & Shiffrin)
Atkinson and Shiffrin developed the MSM to show how information flows through the
memory system.
It suggests that memory isn’t a single unit but is made up of three separate stores linked by
specific processes.
1. Environmental stimuli first enter the sensory register.
2. Information moves from the Sensory register to the STM once attention is paid to it.
3. It can be kept there through maintenance rehearsal and, if rehearsed enough it
passes to the LTM.
Features of the three stores
Sensory Register:
Is modality specific e.g. iconic for visual information & echoic for auditory information
Short-term memory (STM):
● Coded mainly acoustically (by sound)
● Limited capacity of 5-9 items
Long-term memory (LTM):
● Coded semantically (by meaning)
● Unlimited capacity
● Bahrick et al. (1975) found that LTM can last a lifetime due to participants
recognising school classmates faces around 50 years after graduation
The Case of HM (Henry Molaison)
● HM went through brain surgery for epilepsy (removal of his hippocampus from both
sides of the brain).
● Post surgery HM was unable to form new long-term memories e.g. reading the
same magazine with no memory of it.
