Outline the strengths and weaknesses of the multi store model of memory

The multi store model of memory is a linear model that shows how information flows through the processes of memory. The model is structured and focuses on unitary stores- this is a weakness as Baddeley and Hitch have shown by introducing the working memory model, the Short term memory is more than just one unitary store, it compromises different components. Even so the model is influential and has generated much research into memory. First information enters the sensory memory which has a high capacity and a short duration. Then by attention the information travels to the short term memory  which has a capacity of 7+/- 2 pieces of information (Miller) and a duration of 18-20 seconds (peterson and peterson). The information then travels to the Long term memory by elaborative rehearsal, this memory store has an unlimited capacity and a duration of one hour to potentially a life time (Shepard). The model fails to recognise the different types of long term memory such as semantic, episodic and procedural and is thus incomplete. Even so, the model does distingush between the two memory stores of which there are case studies to support this such as KF- who's short term memory was severly impaired whereas his long term memory was normal.

To conclude the memory store model is incomplete, however it did generate further research that resulted in the working memory model which is further detailed.