What is the primary difference between coding in Short-Term Memory (STM) and Long-Term Memory (LTM)?

STM primarily uses acoustic coding (sound-based), while LTM primarily uses semantic coding (meaning-based). This means we tend to confuse similar-sounding words in STM and similar-meaning words in LTM.

How does the duration of the Sensory Register compare to that of Short-Term Memory?

The Sensory Register has an extremely brief duration of less than one second, whereas STM can hold information for approximately 18 to 30 seconds. This difference highlights the rapid decay of raw sensory data compared to processed information.

What is the difference between Maintenance Rehearsal and Elaborative Rehearsal?

Maintenance rehearsal is the simple repetition of information to keep it in STM, while elaborative rehearsal involves connecting new information to existing LTM knowledge. Elaborative rehearsal is significantly more effective for creating permanent long-term memories.

Why is it a mistake to assume that information in Long-Term Memory is lost because the store is 'full'?

LTM is considered to have a potentially unlimited capacity, so forgetting is rarely due to lack of space. Instead, forgetting in LTM is usually caused by interference from other memories or a failure to find the correct retrieval cues.

What error occurs if a student describes the Multi-store Model as a 'non-linear' process?

The MSM is strictly a linear model, meaning information must pass through the Sensory Register and STM before it can reach LTM. Describing it as non-linear ignores the sequential requirement of attention and rehearsal defined by Atkinson and Shiffrin.

What is the misconception regarding the 'Magic Number 7' in STM capacity?

The misconception is that STM can only hold 7 individual letters or digits; however, Miller noted that we can hold $7 \pm 2$ 'chunks'. Chunking allows us to group individual pieces of data into larger, meaningful units, effectively increasing the total amount of information held.

Define 'Iconic Memory' within the context of the Sensory Register.

Iconic memory is the specific sensory store for visual information, holding a mental 'image' of a scene for a fraction of a second. It allows the brain to perceive a continuous visual field despite rapid eye movements.

What is 'Echoic Memory'?

Echoic memory is the sensory store for auditory information, holding sound patterns for a few seconds. This allows us to retain the beginning of a spoken sentence long enough to understand the whole thought.

Define 'Retrieval' in the Multi-store Model.

Retrieval is the process of accessing information stored in Long-Term Memory and transferring it back into Short-Term Memory. This makes the information available for conscious use in the present moment.

Why is 'Attention' considered a critical gateway in the MSM?

Attention is the process that filters the massive amount of data in the Sensory Register, selecting only a small portion to be passed into STM. Without attention, sensory information decays almost immediately and is never consciously processed.

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Multi-store Model of Memory (MSM)

Summary

The Multi-store Model of Memory (MSM), proposed by Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968), describes memory as a linear system of three discrete structural components: the Sensory Register, Short-Term Memory, and Long-Term Memory. Each store is characterized by its unique capacity, duration, and coding method, with information flowing between them through active control processes like attention and rehearsal.

1. Definition & Core Concepts

The Multi-store Model (MSM) is a structural model of memory that views the human mind as an information processor, similar to a computer system.

It identifies three distinct 'stores' where information is held: the Sensory Register (SR), Short-Term Memory (STM), and Long-Term Memory (LTM).

Information is transferred between these stores through specific control processes, primarily attention, rehearsal, and retrieval.

The model is considered linear because information must pass through the stores in a fixed sequence to be permanently retained.

Flowchart of the Multi-store Model showing information flow from Sensory Register to STM and LTM via attention, rehearsal, and retrieval.

2. Underlying Principles

The model operates on the principle of limited capacity and limited duration for temporary stores, necessitating active processing to prevent information loss.

Coding refers to the form in which information is stored; the model posits that information changes its format as it moves through the system (e.g., from physical sensation to sound to meaning).

Decay and displacement are the primary mechanisms for forgetting in the temporary stores, while LTM forgetting is often attributed to interference or retrieval failure.

The distinction between stores is supported by the Serial Position Effect, where items at the start (LTM) and end (STM) of a list are remembered better than those in the middle.

3. Methods & Techniques: The Three Stores

4. Key Distinctions

5. Exam Strategy & Tips

6. Common Pitfalls & Misconceptions