PSYA1 - Memory

Models of memory:
The multi-store model (MSM):
Atkinson & Shiffrins (1968) multi-store model is a linear model in which structurally distinct components have different functional characteristics. The structural components of the human information processing system are the Sensory Memory Store (SMS) which very briefly retains data forms specific to each sensory modality, e.g. vision (ichonic memory) and hearing (echoic memory), before being passed into Short Term Memory (STM) where rehearsal takes place. Data is then passed into Long Term Memory (LTM). Each structural component has separate functional characteristics. There are three ways in which the components differ in what they do (their function): Encoding involves how the store transforms and processes data. Duration concerns the varying length of time the data is held in the store. Capacity refers to how many bits (chunks) of data the store holds at any one time. This is a linear model; that is data flows through it in a sequence from one component to the next.

Sensory Memory Store (SMS): Short-term Memory: (STM) Long Term memory: (LTM) Evaluation:

Encoding Sperling (1960) Conrad (1964) Baddeley (1966) Baddeley (1966)

Duration Sperling (1960) Peterson & Peterson (1959) Bahrick (1975)

Capacity Sperling (1960) Miller (1956) Linton (1978)

Positives: Structurally distinct stores supported by neurological studies e.g. case studies HM. Experimental findings (Glanzer & Cunitz, 1966) forgetting at end of a list (recency) but not at beginning (primacy) when interference task given after learning a list = separate stores. Functionally distinct stores Supported by experiments (above) Forgetting model explains how different explanations of forgetting can occur at different stages. Influential model generated considerable research.

Negatives Over-simplistic more than one STM store (e.g. HM procedural & topographical memory). STM capacity determined by time (temporal) factors not number of items (7+/-2) see Baddeley & word length effect. WM explains this better. Linear model? does not account for how knowledge in LTM can influence processing in STM (e.g. pronunciation & recognition of words for rehearsal in STM requires previous learning) WM explains this better. Structure MSM focuses too much on structure rather than processes

Models of memory:
The Working Memory model (WM): Baddeley and Hitch (1974) believed that the short-term memory (STM) store described in the Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968) model was not able to explain many experimental findings into memory. They proposed the working model as an alternative. Unlike the multistore model working memory is dynamic, it manipulates data and can draw upon past knowledge. The model is based upon the following assumptions: The components of the working model have a limited capacity. The components are relatively independent of each other. If two tasks use the same component they will interfere with each other and will not be performed as successfully as when they are performed separately. If two tasks use different components then they will be performed equally as well together as separately. Limited attentional resources dependent upon complexity & novelty of the task. Modality free because it is not restricted to any one modality such as hearing or seeing. This component is engaged in the conscious manipulation of information. It controls attention, makes plans and coordinates the performance of tasks. The capacity of the central executive is limited. Its ability to perform tasks is dependent upon the complexity of the task and the extent to which that task is novel. New and complex tasks make high cognitive demands and require greater cognitive effort whilst repetitive or highly learned tasks do not. Baddeley et al (1975) Positives: Dynamic Focus is upon dynamic processes rather than structural. Complexity supports the findings of research e.g. case studies HM, that there is more than one form of STM. Temporal WM model explains how rehearsal loop is limited by time and explains word length effect. Influential model currently regarded as the principal model for research. Dual task method models assumptions for separate stores is confirmed by dualtask research methods. Robbins et al Negatives Simple although showing more than one STM store it still requires development e.g. Episodic memory store. Visual-Spatial Sketch-Pad (VSSP) Separate stores for processing visual and spatial information? Neurological studies suggest damage to one function is separate from the other. Central executive under explained whilst associated with the PreFrontal Cortex (PFC) it seems to be distributed in the brain.

Central Executive:

Studies: Evaluation: