Question
What is the difference between levels of processing and the multistore model of memory
Answer
Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968) proposed a multi store model of memory whereby the memory process consists of three distinct components: the sensory store, short-term store and long-term store. Firstly, information enters into the sensory store via the sensory organs. The short-term store receives and temporarily stores input from the sensory store, as well as the long-term store. Information retained within the short-term store via maintenance rehearsal transfers to the long-term store where it remains indefinitely (Atkinson & Shiffrin 1968). Craik and Lockhart’s (1972) levels of processing model is a non-structured approach which states that memories occur as a consequence of the depth of processing of information. Shallow processing involves input of structural and phonetic information requiring maintenance rehearsal, which enables short-term retention. Deep processing involves elaboration rehearsal of semantic information leading to a more significant analysis of information, stronger memory traces and improved recall (Craik & Lockhart 1972). One difference between both models is that the multi-store model describes short and long-term memory as two independent stores, whereby information must pass through short-term memory in order to be stored in long-term memory. The levels of processing model makes no distinction between short and long-term memory, but describes varying levels of processing – the deeper the processing the easier it is to recall the information. A further difference between the two memory models is that according to the multi-store model, maintenance rehearsal only occurs within the short-term memory store; however, the levels of processing model maintains that two types of rehearsal occur throughout the levels of processing: maintenance rehearsal, which occurs during shallow processing, and elaboration rehearsal, which is involved in deeper processing.
References
Atkinson, RC & Shiffrin, RM 1968, ‘Human memory: a proposed system and its control processes’ in Spence, KW & Spence, JT, (eds), The psychology of learning and motivation, Vol 2, pp 89-195 Press: New York. Available from:
http://apps.fischlerschool.nova.edu/toolbox/instructionalproducts/edd8124/fall11/1968-Atkinson_and_Shiffrin.pdf [Accessed: 20 October 2016].
Craik, FIM & Lockhart, RS 1972. ‘Levels of processing: A framework for memory research’, Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behaviour, vol. 11, pp 671-684. Available from: http://wixtedlab.ucsd.edu/publications/Psych%20218/Craik_Lockhart_1972.pdf [Accessed: 20 October 2016].
