Describe the Multi-Store Model of Memory (Atkinson & Shiffrin, 1968)

The Multi-Store Model of Memory proposes that there are 3 parts of the memory system: Sensory Register (SM) – environmental stimulus from your senses causes information to come in to the sensory register, as a literal copy of the input, and stay for up to 2 seconds. If it is not paid attention to, it is lost. If it is, it goes to short term memory (STM). Short Term Memory (STM) – information is mainly acoustically (auditory) encoded and stays for up to 30 seconds. Maintenance rehearsal ensures the information stays in the STM. If this does not occur, it is lost. 5-9 chunks of information can be held. Information retrieval can occur, meaning the information is removed from STM. If it is elaborately rehearsed, it moves to LTM. Long Term Memory (LTM) – information is semantically encoded, held according to its meaning. The LTM has an unlimited capacity, and information could potentially stay in the LTM for years. Retrieval could occur so you are able to use the information.