AQA A Level Psychology Memory Revision: Exam Questions and Answers, Flashcards, Quizlet, and Case Studies

Page 2: Multi-Store Memory Model (MSM)

This section examines the structure and characteristics of the Multi-Store Memory Model, providing detailed information about sensory register coding, capacity and duration.

Definition: The Multi-Store Memory Model describes memory as consisting of three distinct stores: sensory register, short-term memory, and long-term memory.

Highlight: Each memory store has specific characteristics:

• Sensory Register: Very high capacity, half-second duration
• STM: 5-9 items capacity, 18-second duration
• LTM: Unlimited capacity, lifetime duration

Example: The case of HM provides strong evidence for separate STM and LTM systems, as his STM remained intact while his LTM was severely impaired after hippocampus removal.

Vocabulary: Semantic coding - storing information based on meaning rather than sound or appearance.

Page 3: Working Memory Model (WMM)

This page explores the Working Memory Model, which provides a more detailed explanation of short-term memory processing and its components.

Definition: Working memory refers to the active processing and temporary storage of information during complex cognitive tasks.

Highlight: The model consists of four main components:

• Central Executive: Controls attention and resource allocation
• Episodic Buffer: Links working memory to long-term memory
• Phonological Loop: Processes auditory information
• Visuo-spatial Sketchpad: Handles visual and spatial information

Vocabulary:

• Phonological Store: Component that temporarily holds speech-based information
• Articulatory Process: System for maintaining verbal information through rehearsal

Example: FMRI studies by Bunge showed increased central executive activity during dual-task performance, supporting the model's structure.

Page 1: Research into Capacity, Encoding, and Duration

This page details fundamental research into memory systems, focusing on how information is stored and processed. The content explores various studies examining encoding, storage and retrieval examples in memory research.

Definition: Encoding refers to the process of storing information in different formats within memory systems.

Example: Baddeley's research showed that acoustically similar letters are more difficult to recall, demonstrating that STM primarily uses acoustic encoding.

Highlight: Miller's "Magic number 7 ±2" suggests that STM can hold between 5-9 items, though more recent research by Cowan suggests 4 might be more accurate.

Vocabulary: Retention interval - the time between learning and recall in memory experiments.

Quote: "STM duration without recall is 18s-30s" - derived from Peterson & Peterson's research.