Understanding the Multi-Store Model of Memory and Long-Term Memory Types

The Multi store memory model represents a fundamental framework in cognitive psychology that explains how our memory system operates. Developed by Atkinson and Shiffrin in 1968, this model demonstrates how information flows through different memory stores in a sequential manner. The model includes three main components: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.

Definition: The Multi-store model proposes that information passes through distinct memory stores: sensory memory (milliseconds), short-term memory (18 seconds), and long-term memory (lifetime).

Information first enters through our senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell) into the sensory register. Through attention, selected information moves to short-term memory, where it can be maintained through rehearsal. Without rehearsal, information quickly fades. Through continued rehearsal, information can transfer to long-term memory, where it can be stored indefinitely.

The characteristics of each store differ significantly. Sensory memory has a very large capacity but only lasts milliseconds. Short-term memory can hold 7±2 chunks of information for about 18 seconds and primarily uses acoustic encoding. Long-term memory has unlimited capacity, potentially lifetime duration, and uses semantic encoding.

Understanding Memory States and Interference in Psychology

The way our brain processes and stores memories is heavily influenced by both our physical and emotional states during learning and recall. This phenomenon, known as state-dependent forgetting, plays a crucial role in how effectively we can access our Long-term memory.

Definition: State-dependent forgetting occurs when there's a mismatch between the emotional or physical state during learning and the state during recall attempt.

The groundbreaking research by Godden and Baddeley demonstrated how environmental context affects memory recall. Their study involved 18 participants learning and recalling information in different settings - on land and underwater. The results revealed that words learned in one environment were better recalled in the same environment, providing strong evidence for contextual dependency in Long-term memory examples.

Building on this understanding, Goodwin's research with 48 medical students explored how alcohol affects memory processing. The study examined recall performance when participants learned information while either sober or intoxicated and then attempted recall in either the same or different state. The findings showed optimal recall occurred when the learning and retrieval states matched, reinforcing the concept of state-dependent memory.

Highlight: Interference theory suggests that memories aren't truly lost, but rather become difficult to access due to competing information in our memory systems.

Memory interference occurs in two primary forms: proactive and retroactive interference. Proactive interference happens when previously learned information disrupts the recall of newer information, while retroactive interference occurs when new learning interferes with older memories. This explains why similar memories can become confused or distorted over time, particularly when they share common elements.

Example: If you learn a new phone number, it might interfere with your ability to remember an old one (retroactive interference). Conversely, your old phone number might make it harder to remember the new one (proactive interference).