The multi store model of memory is a theory that was proposed by psychologists Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin in 1968. It suggests that there are three different stores of memory: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.
Sensory memory is the first stage of memory, and it is where information from our senses is initially processed and stored. It has a very brief duration, usually only a few seconds, and is thought to function as a buffer for incoming sensory information.
Short-term memory, also known as working memory, is the second stage of memory. It has a limited capacity, typically holding only about seven items at a time, and a duration of about 20 to 30 seconds. Information in short-term memory can be rehearsed or repeated in order to be transferred to long-term memory.
Long-term memory is the final stage of memory, and it is where information is stored for an extended period of time. It has a virtually unlimited capacity and can hold information for years or even a lifetime. Information in long-term memory can be retrieved and used when needed.
One of the strengths of the multi store model of memory is that it provides a clear and simple explanation of how different types of information are processed and stored in the brain. It also helps to explain why we sometimes struggle to remember certain things, such as a phone number that we have just heard but not written down.
However, the multi store model has been subject to criticism over the years. Some researchers argue that the distinction between sensory, short-term, and long-term memory is not as clear cut as the model suggests, and that there may be other factors at play in memory formation and retrieval. Additionally, the model does not account for the role of emotion and motivation in memory, which are known to play a significant role in our ability to remember things.
Despite these criticisms, the multi store model of memory remains a widely accepted theory and has had a significant impact on our understanding of how memory works. It continues to be a useful framework for studying and understanding the complex process of memory.