Psychology A-Level (AQA) Study Notes
Topic: Memory
Hi there! Welcome to your AQA Psychology Memory revision notes. This guide is designed
to help you fully understand the memory topic for your A-Level exams. These notes are
clear, simple, and full of examples to make learning easier. There are also questions and
model answers to help you practise and prepare for the real exam.
What is Memory?
Memory is the ability to take in, store, and recall information. It's one of the most important
topics in psychology because it helps us understand how we learn, remember experiences,
and why we sometimes forget things.
Processes of Memory
Memory involves three key processes:
- Encoding: Turning information into a form that can be stored.
- Storage: Keeping information in the memory system.
- Retrieval: Bringing stored information back into awareness.
Multi-Store Model of Memory (MSM)
The MSM by Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968) explains how information flows through three
memory stores:
1. Sensory Register – receives information from the senses. It lasts about 0.5 seconds.
2. Short-Term Memory (STM) – holds 7±2 items for 18-30 seconds.
3. Long-Term Memory (LTM) – can hold unlimited information for a long time, maybe
forever.
Information moves from the sensory register to STM if attention is paid. Rehearsing
information keeps it in STM and helps transfer it to LTM.
Evaluation of the MSM
- ✅ Strength: It gives a clear structure to how memory works.
- ❌ Weakness: Too simplistic. It doesn’t explain why some memories are remembered
without rehearsal.
- ❌ Weakness: Evidence from brain-damaged patients (like KF) shows STM is not just one
store.
Types of Long-Term Memory (Tulving, 1985)
- Episodic Memory: Memories of personal events. Example: Your last holiday.
- Semantic Memory: Facts and knowledge. Example: Knowing that the Earth orbits the sun.
- Procedural Memory: Skills and actions. Example: Driving a car.
Topic: Memory
Hi there! Welcome to your AQA Psychology Memory revision notes. This guide is designed
to help you fully understand the memory topic for your A-Level exams. These notes are
clear, simple, and full of examples to make learning easier. There are also questions and
model answers to help you practise and prepare for the real exam.
What is Memory?
Memory is the ability to take in, store, and recall information. It's one of the most important
topics in psychology because it helps us understand how we learn, remember experiences,
and why we sometimes forget things.
Processes of Memory
Memory involves three key processes:
- Encoding: Turning information into a form that can be stored.
- Storage: Keeping information in the memory system.
- Retrieval: Bringing stored information back into awareness.
Multi-Store Model of Memory (MSM)
The MSM by Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968) explains how information flows through three
memory stores:
1. Sensory Register – receives information from the senses. It lasts about 0.5 seconds.
2. Short-Term Memory (STM) – holds 7±2 items for 18-30 seconds.
3. Long-Term Memory (LTM) – can hold unlimited information for a long time, maybe
forever.
Information moves from the sensory register to STM if attention is paid. Rehearsing
information keeps it in STM and helps transfer it to LTM.
Evaluation of the MSM
- ✅ Strength: It gives a clear structure to how memory works.
- ❌ Weakness: Too simplistic. It doesn’t explain why some memories are remembered
without rehearsal.
- ❌ Weakness: Evidence from brain-damaged patients (like KF) shows STM is not just one
store.
Types of Long-Term Memory (Tulving, 1985)
- Episodic Memory: Memories of personal events. Example: Your last holiday.
- Semantic Memory: Facts and knowledge. Example: Knowing that the Earth orbits the sun.
- Procedural Memory: Skills and actions. Example: Driving a car.
