Cognitive Processing Models of Memory Atkinson and Shiffrin

Cognitive Processing: Models of Memory Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968) The Multi Store Model (MSM)

Background Information Richard C. Atkinson (1929 -): Richard Shiffrin (1942): • Mathematical models of human memory and cognition • President of University of California • Attention & Memory • Prof of Cog Science • Head of Memory and Perception Laboratory • Indiana Uni

Multi Store Model of Memory

Working Memory Model (WMM)

1. Sensory Memory �Sensory organs -> �Sensory memory: Duration: ¼ to ½ second Capacity: all sensory experience Encoding: sense specific �Sensory memory -> attention -> decay

2. Short-Term Memory �Attention -> STM �Short-Term Memory: Duration: up to 30 seconds Capacity: 7 +/- 2 items ▪ George Miller ▪ Consider your results Encoding: mainly auditory �STM -> Rehearsal -> Decay

3. Long-Term Memory �Rehearsal -> LTM �Long-Term Memory: Duration: Unlimited Capacity: Unlimited Encoding: Mainly Semantic �- STM: retrieval

Strengths of Model �Supported by much evidence (memory cases) �Heuristic value generated research �Case Studies: HM/Clive Wearing

Limitations of Model �Reductionist �Structurally oriented �Overly linear �Descriptive but lacks depth of stores

Sources �http: //www. simplypsychology. org/multi- store. html �http: //psych. indiana. edu/faculty/shiffrin. php �http: //www. rca. ucsd. edu/biography. asp �http: //shiffrin. cogs. indiana. edu/index. html �http: //www. smartpsych. co. uk/unit-1/memory