The Multi-Store Model of Memory

The Multi-Store Model (MSM) was proposed by Atkinson & Shiffrin (1968) and was the first comprehensive model of how memory works. It describes memory as a linear flow of information through three distinct stores: the sensory register, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). Despite its limitations, the MSM remains a foundational model in cognitive psychology and is a core component of the AQA A-Level specification.

Key Definition: The Multi-Store Model is a representation of how memory works in terms of three stores (sensory register, STM, LTM) and the processes that transfer information between them (attention, encoding, rehearsal, retrieval).

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The Three Stores

graph LR
    A["Sensory Register"] -->|Attention| B["Short-Term Memory (STM)"]
    B -->|Maintenance Rehearsal| B
    B -->|Elaborative Rehearsal| C["Long-Term Memory (LTM)"]
    C -->|Retrieval| B
    A -->|Not attended to| D["Information lost"]
    B -->|Not rehearsed| E["Information lost via decay/displacement"]

1. Sensory Register (SR)

The sensory register is the first store. All incoming sensory information enters here.