Memory - MSM (Attkinson & Shiffrin)

OUTLINE

The MSM ( Multistore Model) of memory- as created by Attkinson and Shiffrin.

Sensory memory is the store where immediate information is briefly held unless it is paid attention.

Short-term memory is the memory store that has a limited capacity and duration, and where information becomes conscious.It holds 7 (+/-) 2 chunks of information and lasts 30 seconds.

Long-term memory is the memory store that has unlimited capacity and duration. This is where information is permanently stored.

CRITICISMS

1 - The model is too rigid

• It ignores individual differences, and assumes that everyone's memory has the same structure.
• Some people may have a greater capacity, or be able to store certain types of information better.

2 - The model over-simplifies the STM and LTM

• The STM is more active, and can deal with different types of inputs.
• The LTM has different types of stores, such as procedural or declarative memory.

3 - The model overemphasizes the role of rehearsal

• Not all information in the LTM has to be rehearsed, for example a tragic event.
• There is a lot of information in the LTM due to it having meaning.