3.3 Evaluate two models or theories of one cognitive process with reference to research studies

3.3 Evaluate two models or theories of one cognitive process with reference to research studies

Model 1: The multi-store model of memory (Atkinson and Shiffrin, 1968)

This model was one of the first to give an overview of the basic structure or architecture of memory and it was inspired by computer science. The model seems rather simplistic, but it did spark off the idea of humans as information processors and it has been one of the most influential models attempting to describe the memory system. The multi-store model is based on the assumption that memory consists of a number of separate stores and that memory processes are sequential. The memory stores in the model are structural components that include control processes (e.g. attention, coding, and rehearsal). Rehearsal ensures the transfer of information from short-term memory (working memory) to long-term memory. Sensory memory registers sensory information and stores it for around 1-4 seconds. Information in the sensory memory is modality specific (i.e. related to different senses). Only a small amount of the sensory information will be transferred into the short-term memory (STM) store (depending on whether or not it is attended to). STM has limited capacity (around seven items) and limited duration (around 6-12 seconds). Information processes in STM is transferred into LTM if it is rehearsed. If not, it is lost. LTM is believed to be of indefinite duration and of potentially unlimited capacity.

Evidence of the multi-store model of memory: the serial position effect

The serial position effect is believed to be linked to rehearsal, i.e. people repeat things in order to remember. The serial position effect suggests that people remember things better if they are either the first (primary effect) or last (recency effect) item in a list of things to remember.

Glanzer and Cunitz (1966)

Aim: To investigate recency effect in free recall (i.e. in any order).

Procedure: This was a laboratory experiment where participants first heard a list of items and then immediately had to recall them in any order.

Results: Participants recalled words from the beginning of the list (primary effect) and the end of the list (the recency effect) best. The results showed a U-shaped curve. If participants were given a filler task just after hearing the last words, the primary effect disappeared but the recency effect remained. The recency effect could be due to the words still being active in STM (working memory). Rehearsal could be a factor in transfer of information into LTM.

Evaluation: The study supports the idea of multiple stores (STM and LTM). This is a controlled laboratory study with highly controlled variables, but there is no random allocation of participants to experimental conditions so it is not a true experiment. There may be problems with ecological validity.