Evaluate the multi-store model of memory (Atkinson and Shiffrin, 1968). - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 1

The short-term store (STS) has a limited capacity ranging from 5 to 9 items, and it primarily retains information for a limited duration of about 20 to 30 seconds. This aspect plays a crucial role in our ability to hold and manipulate information over short periods.

Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968) argued that the STS processes information acoustically, emphasizing the importance of auditory encoding in maintaining information in this stage.

The long-term store (LTS) is theorized to retain information indefinitely through semantic encoding. This suggests that information can be consolidated over time and retrieved when needed, significantly shaping our understanding of memory.

The multi-store model can be considered reductionist as it simplifies human memory to a mere system of information processing. Critics argue that this approach overlooks the complexities of memory and the active processes involved.

Peterson and Peterson (1959) demonstrated that participants could recall trigrams after intervals of 15-18 seconds, revealing that without rehearsal, memory decays rapidly in the STS.

Baddeley and Hitch (1974) contended that the STS can actively manipulate information rather than just passively storing it, contradicting the notion that the STS serves solely as a bridge between sensory inputs and LTM.

Research by Bahrick et al. (1975) indicates that identification of names from high school yearbooks can remain accurate for decades, suggesting that LTM can maintain information for extended periods, supporting the retention aspect of the model.