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The Multi-Store Model

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The Multi-Store Model

Multi-store memory (MSM) illustrates the three memory stores which we apply to hold information we pick up - this idea was put forth by Atkinson and Shriffin (1968). The MMS consists of the sensory storage which holds the information collected by our senses. This type of memory store is continually receiving new data, but the majority of it is ignored. The information gathered only stays in the sensory store for a very short episode of time, it is either disregarded or if the individuals' attention is focused on one of the senses it will be transferred to the STM. So the primary step of remembering is paying attention in the first place. Information is then moved from STM to LTM. This is done through rehearsal, where the same incident occurs repeatedly so that is remembered more easily. Atkinson and Shriffin said that the more frequent the information is rehearsed the more accurate it recalled, therefore showing a direct link between retrieval in STM and the strength in LTM.
This shows that memory works with three stores; sensory memory, STM and LTM. There have been many studies which have shown that there are three different memory stores. Several studies found that certain parts of the brain were needed for short term and long term. E.g. Milner (1966) discovered that if the hippocampus (LTM) was removed then the individual could not form any new long term memories, however they had no problem performing STM. Other psychologists (Glanzer and Cunitz) have found that when the primary and recency effects are studied it has been found that because items have been passed to LTM the primary effect has occurred. Also when items are bumped out of the STM to make room for new ones the recency effect has occurred.

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