Memory Models and Theories Quiz

Who proposed the multi-store model of memory?

• Richard Shiffrin and Richard Atkinson

• Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung

• B.F. Skinner and John Watson

• Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky

Answer explanation

The multi-store model of memory was proposed by Richard Shiffrin and Richard Atkinson in 1968. This model describes memory as consisting of three stores: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.

What are the three basic stores in the multi-store model of memory?

• Sensory register, short-term store, long-term store

• Visual memory, auditory memory, tactile memory

• Conscious memory, subconscious memory, unconscious memory

• Episodic memory, semantic memory, procedural memory

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Sensory register, short-term store, long-term store' as these are the three basic components of the multi-store model of memory, which describes how information is processed and stored.

What is the main function of the sensory register in the multi-store model?

• To store information permanently

• To hold sensory experiences briefly

• To rehearse information

• To retrieve information

Answer explanation

The sensory register's main function is to hold sensory experiences briefly, allowing for initial processing before information is either discarded or transferred to short-term memory.

What is a visual array?

• An arrangement of digits or letters

• A random collection of images

• A sequence of sounds

• A list of unrelated words

Answer explanation

A visual array is specifically defined as an arrangement of digits or letters, making this choice correct. The other options do not accurately describe a visual array.

What happens to recall if there is a delay before the direction is given?

• Recall decays rapidly

• Recall improves significantly

• Recall remains unchanged

• Recall becomes more accurate

Answer explanation

Recall decays rapidly after a delay because memory traces weaken over time, making it harder to retrieve information accurately. Thus, the correct choice is that recall decays rapidly.

What is the effect of immediate direction on recall?

• Recall is reasonably precise

• Recall is completely lost

• Recall is unaffected

• Recall is slightly improved

Answer explanation

Immediate direction enhances recall by providing clear guidance, making recall reasonably precise. This means that individuals are more likely to remember information accurately when given specific cues.

What is the purpose of a tachistoscope in memory research?

• To test sensory memory

• To enhance auditory perception

• To improve motor skills

• To analyze language processing

Answer explanation

A tachistoscope is used in memory research to present visual stimuli for very brief durations, allowing researchers to assess sensory memory by measuring how much information can be retained after such quick exposure.

What is the capacity of the short-term store according to Miller (1956)?

• 3-5 items

• 5-8 items

• 7, plus or minus two

• 10-12 items

Answer explanation

According to Miller (1956), the capacity of the short-term store is "7, plus or minus two" items. This means that most people can hold between 5 to 9 items in their short-term memory at one time.

What is the primary encoding method in the short-term store?

• Visual

• Tactile

• Acoustic

• Semantic

Answer explanation

The primary encoding method in the short-term store is acoustic, as it relies on auditory information. This means that sounds and verbal information are processed and stored primarily through hearing.

What is an example of using long-term memory to make sense of information?

• Registering the image of a horse and assigning it a verbal label.

• Forgetting a familiar face.

• Ignoring background noise.

• Memorizing a random sequence of numbers.

Answer explanation

Registering the image of a horse and assigning it a verbal label demonstrates long-term memory use, as it involves encoding visual information and linking it to language, facilitating understanding and recall.