The Atkinson-Shiffrin Multi-Store Model of Memory

Overview

The Atkinson-Shiffrin multi-store model of memory (MSM), proposed in 1968 by Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin, is a model that explains how memory functions through three separate stores: sensory memory, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). It describes how information is encoded, stored, and retrieved across these stores.

KEY TAKEAWAY: The MSM is a linear model outlining three distinct memory stores and how information flows between them.

Processes of Memory

• Encoding: Converting sensory information into a form that can be stored in memory.
• Storage: Retaining information in memory over time.
• Retrieval: Accessing and bringing stored information back into conscious awareness.

Sensory Memory

Role

• Briefly holds sensory information from the environment.
• Acts as a buffer, holding a fleeting impression of sensory stimuli.

Capacity

• Large capacity; can hold a vast amount of sensory information at any given time.

Duration

• Very short duration; approximately 0.2-4 seconds.
• Information decays rapidly if not attended to.

Encoding

• Sensory-specific; information is encoded in the form it is received (e.g., visual, auditory, tactile).

Subtypes

• Iconic memory: Visual sensory memory (duration ~0.3 seconds).
• Echoic memory: Auditory sensory memory (duration ~3-4 seconds).
• Haptic memory: Touch sensory memory.

COMMON MISTAKE: Confusing sensory memory with STM. Sensory memory holds all sensory information briefly, while STM only holds information we pay attention to.

Short-Term Memory (STM)

Role

• Temporarily holds information that is being consciously processed.
• Also known as working memory, as it allows us to manipulate information.

Capacity

• Limited capacity; typically holds 5-9 (7 ± 2) pieces of information (Miller’s Magic Number).
• Can be increased through chunking (grouping individual pieces of information into larger units).

Duration

• Short duration; approximately 18-30 seconds.
• Information can be maintained longer through maintenance rehearsal (repeating information).
• Elaborative rehearsal is transferring information to LTM by relating new information to existing knowledge.

Encoding

• Primarily acoustic (sound-based), but can also be visual or semantic (meaning-based).

Processes

• Information enters STM from sensory memory if attended to.
• Information can be retrieved from LTM and brought into STM for conscious processing.
• Information can be transferred to LTM through elaborative rehearsal.
• Information is lost from STM through decay (fading due to disuse) or displacement (being pushed out by new information).

STUDY HINT: Use mnemonic devices like acronyms or rhymes to help remember information in STM.

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

Role

• Stores vast amounts of information for a long time, potentially indefinitely.
• Provides a relatively permanent store of knowledge, facts, experiences, and skills.

Capacity

• Unlimited capacity; can store virtually limitless amounts of information.

Duration

• Potentially permanent duration; information can be stored for a lifetime.

Encoding

• Primarily semantic (meaning-based).
• Information is organised and stored based on relationships and associations.

Types of LTM

• Explicit (Declarative) Memory: Consciously recalled memories.
  • Semantic memory: General knowledge and facts.
  • Episodic memory: Personal experiences and events.
• Implicit (Non-Declarative) Memory: Unconsciously recalled memories.
  • Procedural memory: Skills and habits (e.g., riding a bike).
  • Classical conditioning: Conditioned responses.
  • Priming: Exposure to a stimulus influences response to a later stimulus.

EXAM TIP: Be able to distinguish between explicit and implicit memory and provide examples of each.

Retrieval

• Information is retrieved from LTM and brought into STM for conscious awareness.
• Retrieval cues (prompts or hints) can aid in accessing stored information.
• Forgetting can occur due to retrieval failure, interference, or motivated forgetting.

Interaction of Memory Stores

Encoding, Storage, and Retrieval in MSM

1. Sensory Memory: Receives and briefly holds sensory information.
2. Attention: If information is attended to, it moves to STM.
3. STM: Consciously processes and manipulates information.
4. Rehearsal: Maintenance rehearsal keeps information in STM, while elaborative rehearsal transfers it to LTM.
5. LTM: Stores information for long-term retention.
6. Retrieval: Information is retrieved from LTM back into STM for use.

Diagram Description

(A simple diagram showing three boxes representing sensory memory, STM, and LTM, with arrows indicating the flow of information between them. Key processes like attention, rehearsal, encoding, and retrieval are labeled on the arrows.)

VCAA FOCUS: Understand how each memory store contributes to encoding, storage, and retrieval, and how they interact during memory processing.