Models of Memory

OUTLINE OF MODEL

• Memory is a flow of information through an information proccessing system
• Different stores - Sensory, STM and LTM
• Information from enviroment enters SENSORY store
• With attention enters STM
• With maintantance rehearsal enters LTM

STRENGHTS

• Strong research evidence - Peterson & Peterson (1959)
• Evidence from brain scans

WEAKNESSES

• Evidence from patients with amnesia who show potential for different stores

CASE STUDY

• KF - LTM normall but problems with STM
• HM - STM was normal but couldn't form new LTMs
  
  

OUTLINE OF MODEL

• More complex model
• STM made up of several sub-systems each with specialised function
• Emphasises memory processes rather than structure
• Central Executive - Supervises and co-ordinates sub-systems
• Phonological Loop - Deals with sound
• Visuo-spatial Sketchpad - Deals with info that looks like and how it is laid out

 STRENGTHS

• Research evidence - 'Dual task'
• Direct links between different tasks and certian areas of the brain

WEAKNESSES

• Concept of a single cenreal executive is too simplistic - Eslinger & Damasio (1985)
• Evidence is from individuals who have suffered severe brain damage - brain injury is traumatic which could lead to changes to behaviour

CASE STUDY

• KF- Had difficulty dealing with verbal information in STM but not visual