Describe the Multistore Model of Memory. (8 marks)

The MSM is a cognitive model of memory created by Atkinson and Shiffrin which presents memory as a linear arrangement of unitary stores. The first store is the sensory register which collects all information from sensory organs such as the eyes. although it has a large capacity, its duration is only 1/2 second after which memory decays. If sensory information is paid attention to, it is transferred to short term memory (STM). STM has a duration of 18 seconds (Peterson & Peterson), a capacity of 5-9 items (Jacobs and Miller) and acoustic (sound) coding (Baddeley). STM is transferred into long term memory (LTM) through verbal maintenance rehearsal. LTM is a supposedly lifelong (Bahrick) and unlimited store where memory is coded semantically (Baddeley). LTM can be recalled through retrieval into STM. Memory transferal between LTM and STM uses the hippocampus.