PSYC 3.2.2.1 (Atkinson–Shiffrin multi-store model of memory)

Dr Juc was investigating the impact of speed of delivery on the serial position effect using two groups. Group 1 was presented with a list of 30 words at a slow pace (one word every 5 seconds). Group 2 had the same list of words presented at a fast pace (one word every 0.5 seconds).

Immediately following the presentation of the list, both groups completed a mathematical task for two minutes. Then, participants were instructed to type the words they remembered into a computer. The computer recorded the time taken by each participant to recall each word (called ‘lapsed time’).

How long will each word remain in Dr Juc’s participants’ sensory memory?

Source: VCE 2022 Psychology Exam, Section A, Q.20; © VCAA

• 0.2–4 seconds

• 5–9 seconds

• 15–30 seconds

• potentially indefinitely

One year ago, River suffered a brain injury during an accident, which resulted in River having anterograde amnesia, such that River is unable to form new memories. Which one of the following is a symptom that River would likely be experiencing that also supports the Atkinson-Shiffrin multi-store model of memory?

Source: VCE 2022 Psychology Exam, Section A, Q.22; © VCAA

• River can only hold small pieces of information in their short-term memory for 40 seconds.

• River cannot remember what they had for lunch but can recall in detail their 50th birthday party held 10 years ago.

• River cannot remember their grandchild’s birth five years ago but can name the doctor who treated them after their accident.

• River cannot remember what day it is today because they cannot pay attention to incoming information.

Which of the following best describes the sequential stages of the formation of new memory according to the Atkinson–Shiffrin multi-store model of memory?

Source: VCAA 2012 Psychology 1, Section A, Q.18; ©VCAA

• sensory memory, short-term memory, long-term memory

• long-term memory, sensory memory, short-term memory

• short-term memory, long-term memory, sensory memory

• sensory memory, long-term memory, short-term memory

The multi-store model of memory can be used to explain how a person uses their knowledge of times tables to verbally answer a mathematics problem that is presented briefly on a computer screen. Which of the following identifies the memory stores used to complete the aspects of solving the problem?

Source: VCAA 2017 Psychology, Section A, Q.11; ©VCAA

• 
• 
• 
• 

Derek perceived Jack playing on the swing as a continuous moving image rather than a sequence of still frames moving quickly. This is because of Derek’s

Source: VCAA 2010 Psychology 2, Section A, Q.1 (adapted); ©VCAA

• iconic memory

• echoic memory

• working memory

• short-term memory

Visual and auditory stimuli are first registered in our

Source: VCAA 2003 Psychology 2, Section A, Q.7 (adapted); ©VCAA

• short-term memory

• long-term memory

• sensory memory

• multi-store memory

Echoic memory holds sounds for _____________ which enables us to _____________.

Source: VCAA 2009 Psychology 2, Section A, Q.1; ©VCAA

• a fraction of a second; register a fleeting visual image

• a fraction of a second; link sounds together in order to recognise words and sentences at a later stage

• 3–4 seconds; register visual images

• 3–4 seconds; link sounds together in order to recognise words and sentences at a later stage

Iconic memory lasts for

Source: VCAA 2009 Psychology 2, Section A, Q.2; ©VCAA

• a fraction of a second and retains only visual information.

• about a second and retains only auditory information.

• about 3–4 seconds and retains only visual information.

• up to 20 seconds if it is rehearsed.

Iconic memory has

Source: VCAA 2007 Psychology 2, Section A, Q.4; ©VCAA

• an unlimited capacity and an unlimited duration.

• a limited capacity and very brief duration.

• an unlimited capacity and very brief duration.

• a limited capacity and an unlimited duration.

We are able to perceive a movie as a smooth-flowing moving image rather than as a series of individual frames because of our _________________ memory which is part of our __________ memory.

Source: VCAA 2004 Psychology 2, Section A, Q.2; ©VCAA

• echoic; short-term

• iconic; sensory

• iconic; short-term

• echoic; sensory