Active learning ideas
The Multi-store model (MSM) is a cornerstone of cognitive psychology, providing a structural framework for understanding memory. Students learn to distinguish between the sensory register, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). The focus is on the specific characteristics of each store: how much it can hold (capacity), how long it lasts (duration), and how it is encoded.
Activity 01
Students act as different memory stores. One student (Sensory) receives a 'flash' of info, passes a small part to the next (STM), who must 'rehearse' it aloud to keep it before passing it to the final student (LTM).
What is the Multi-store model?
Activity 02
Divide the class into three groups: Sensory, STM, and LTM. Each group researches the capacity, duration, and encoding of their store and then teaches the other groups using a visual aid they created.
How long does short-term memory last?
Activity 03
Students are given the case study of Henry Molaison (HM). They must work in groups to identify which parts of the Multi-store model were damaged and which remained intact, using the evidence to support their claims.
How does information move to long-term memory?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Short-term memory and long-term memory are the same thing.
They have very different capacities and durations; STM is limited to about 7 items, while LTM is potentially infinite. Using a 'sorting' activity where students categorise memory tasks helps clarify these distinctions.
Information stays in the sensory register for several minutes.
Sensory memory actually lasts for less than a second. A quick visual 'sparkler' demonstration or a rapid-fire image task helps students physically experience the fleeting nature of sensory storage.
Methods used in this brief
Processes of Memory
Students will explore how information is encoded, stored, and retrieved in the human brain. They will evaluate different types of encoding and the factors that affect memory retention.
8 methodologies
Memory as an Active Process
Students will investigate Bartlett's theory of reconstructive memory and the concept of schemas. They will apply these ideas to understand the reliability of eyewitness testimonies.
8 methodologies