Memory Unit Overview

Topics Covered

• Two models of memory
• Types of long-term memory
• Reasons we forget
• Problems and improvements in eyewitness testimony

Cognitive Approach

• Many topics derive from the cognitive approach
• Suggested to watch videos on the cognitive approach for better understanding

Multi-Store Model of Memory

Introduction

• Created by Atkinson and Shiffrin in 1968
• Information processor model
• Linear and passive in nature

Key Components

1. Sensory Register
2. Short-Term Memory (STM)
3. Long-Term Memory (LTM)

Features to Remember

• Coding, Capacity, Duration of each store

Sensory Register

• Receives information from sensory neurons
• Coding is modality-specific (depends on the sense organ)
• Capacity: Very large, potentially unlimited
• Duration: Very short, ~250 milliseconds
• Information moves to STM through attention

Short-Term Memory (STM)

• Coding: Acoustic (sound-based)
• Capacity: 7 ± 2 items (varies per individual)
• Duration: 18 to 30 seconds
• Information moved to LTM by rehearsal (maintenance or elaborative)

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

• Coding: Semantic (meaning-based)
• Capacity: Very large, potentially unlimited
• Duration: Very long, potentially unlimited

Evaluations of the Multi-Store Model

Research Evidence

1. Primacy Recency Effect (Glanzer, 1966)
   • Shows separation between STM and LTM
2. Sperling's Study on Sensory Register
   • Showed large capacity of sensory memory
3. Baddeley's Study on Coding
   • Differentiates coding in STM (acoustic) and LTM (semantic)
4. Jacobs' Study on STM Capacity
   • Showed STM's small capacity but can be improved by chunking
5. Peterson and Peterson's Study on STM Duration
   • Found STM duration between 18-30 seconds
6. Wagner's and Bahrick's Studies on LTM
   • Showed LTM's large capacity and duration

Additional Evaluations

• Artificial nature of experimental settings
• External validity concerns: ecological validity and mundane realism
• Inferences in psychological research
• Evolutionary perspective supports sensory register's capacity
• Criticism: Multi-store model is too simplistic

Suggested Improvements

• Consider complexity and variability in STM and LTM
• Recognize non-unitary nature of memory stores

Additional Resources

• Psych Boost offers tutorial videos and extra resources for patrons

These notes summarize key aspects and evaluations of the Multi-Store Model of Memory, relevant research, and broader considerations in studying memory from a cognitive psychology perspective.