Multi-Store Model of Memory (MSM)

• Multi-Store Model of Memory (MSM) explains memory as a linear system where information moves through three separate stores: Sensory Memory (SM), Short-Term Memory (STM), and Long-Term Memory (LTM).
• Each memory store differs in capacity (how much it can hold), duration (how long it lasts), and encoding (how information is processed).

MSM: Function

• Sensory Memory (SM) receives sensory input like sight and sound
• Information moves from SM to STM given attention, or it is lost through decay
• Short-Term Memory (STM) holds information temporarily
• Information moves from STM to LTM if rehearsed, or is lost through displacement or decay
• Long-Term Memory (LTM) stores information indefinitely and can be retrieved when needed

MSM: How it Works

• Encoding is when information enters SM from the environment
• Storage is when information moves from SM to STM given attention, and then to LTM through rehearsal
• Retrieval is when information is retrieved from LTM back into STM for active use when needed

MSM: Influence on Memory

• The Primacy Effect is when the first items in a list are rehearsed and stored in LTM
• The Recency Effect is when the last items are still in STM when recalled immediately
• Rehearsal is crucial for memory transfer from STM to LTM

Glanzer & Cunitz (1966) - Serial Position Effect Study

• Aimed to investigate whether STM and LTM are separate stores, as predicted by MSM
• 46 enlisted men were shown 15-word lists, then asked to recall them
• Immediate recall involved writing down words immediately
• Delayed recall (10 seconds) involved counting backwards before recall
• Delayed recall (30 seconds) involved counting for longer before recall
• Immediate recall showed both Primacy & Recency Effects
• A 10-second delay weakened the Recency effect (STM interference)
• A 30-second delay caused the Recency effect to disappear, but the Primacy effect remained (LTM storage)
• The study supports MSM's claim that STM and LTM are separate
• Demonstrates the role of rehearsal
• Early words were rehearsed into LTM, while later words were lost if STM was occupied
• Confirms STM has a limited duration, where information in STM fades without rehearsal
• Glanzer & Cunitz's study provides strong empirical support for MSM, validating its claim of distinct memory stores

Working Memory Model (WMM): Definition

• The Working Memory Model (WMM) challenges MSM's view of STM as a single store
• WMM suggests STM is an active system with multiple components that process different types of information simultaneously
• The WMM consists of four components, each handling specific types of information

WMM: Four Components

• The Central Executive directs attention and decision-making, but has no storage capacity
• The Phonological Loop handles verbal and auditory information
  • The Phonological Store ("inner ear") temporarily stores sound-based information
  • The Articulatory Control Process ("inner voice") repeats words mentally
• The Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad handles visual and spatial information
  • The Visual Cache stores images, including form and color
  • The Inner Scribe processes spatial movement for navigation
• The Episodic Buffer integrates visual, verbal, and spatial information into coherent experiences

WMM: How it Works

• WMM explains why multitasking is possible when tasks engage different components, such as talking while driving
• Performance declines when two tasks compete for the same system, such as listening to music with lyrics while reading

WMM: Influence on Memory

• WMM explains why certain tasks interfere with others, such as when two verbal tasks overload the Phonological Loop
• WMM shows that STM is not a passive store but an active system managing information in real-time

Landry & Bartling (2011) - Dual-Task Study

• Aimed to test whether articulatory suppression, blocking rehearsal, affects recall and supports the Phonological Loop in WMM
• 34 psychology students were divided into two groups
  • The Control Group memorized a list of 7 random letters without interference
  • The Experimental Group memorized the list while repeating "1,2" aloud, which is an articulatory suppression technique
• The Control Group achieved 76% recall accuracy
• The Experimental Group achieved 45% recall accuracy, which was significantly lower
• Confirmed STM is not a single store
• The Phonological Loop was overloaded, causing recall to suffer
• The study demonstrates limitations of multitasking
• Performance declines when two tasks rely on the same system, such as verbal tasks
• The study supports WM's idea of specialized STM components
• Interference would not occur if STM was a single unit, like in MSM
• Landry & Bartling provided strong empirical support for WMM, validating its claim of separate STM components