Storage and retrieval processes in long-term memory.

Abstract

Describes a theory of human memory in which a distinction is made between 3 memory stores: the sensory register, and the short- and long-term stores. Primary emphasis is given to the processes by which information is stored in and retrieved from the long-term store, a store which is considered to be a permanent repository for information. Forgetting and related phenomena are attributed to a failure of the retrieval process, in which the search through some memory area becomes less efficient as new information is placed in it. Storage and retrieval in the long-term store are conceived of as parallel processes, one mirroring the other, and each is divided into 3 stages for conceptual clarity. The memory trace is viewed as an ensemble of information stored in some memory location, the location of storage determined largely by the components of the ensemble itself. The ability of the system to cope with diverse phenomena is demonstrated by a number of selected experimental paradigms. (2 p. ref.)

Interference and encoding processes

“…On the FFR task, the extra processing time afforded the Ss with a 4-sec presentation rate becomes evident and produces a higher level of recall across all serial positions. This hypothesis is compatible with a parallel process model of memory or a sequential model which assumes that transfer from STM and LTM is accomplished by "copying" the information into LTM without affecting its condition in the STM store (e.g., Shiffrin & Atkinson, 1969).…”

Comparison of intrusion errors and serial position curves on monaural and dichotic listening tasks: A developmental analysis

“…Both carry-over and associative intrusions may be interpreted within the proactive interference model (Kintsch, 1970) or Atkinson's postulate of control processes associated with long-term memory. According to Atkinson and Wickens (1969) and Shiffrin and Atkinson (1969), long-term memory control processes are primarily involved with information storage and strategy selection. Further, the ability to retrieve stored information varies with time and interfering material.…”

Sequential search processes in long-term memory

“…In order to make inferences about the memory processes underlying performance in this type of task, investigators have manipulated variables such as list structure and composition and examined the effect of these variables on RT and error rate. At present there is still disagreement as to whether strength models (e.g., Kintsch, 1970; Murdock, 1968;Postman, Jenkins, & Postman, 1948;Wickelgren, 1975), memory search models (e.g., Anderson & Bower, 1974;Shiffrin & Atkinson, 1969;Tulving & Thomson, 1971), or a model employing a combination of strength and search processes (Atkinson & Iuola, 1973 can best account for performance in this task.Recently, a modified word recognition paradigm, called the symbol-element recognition paradigm, was employed by Mohs, Wescourt, and Atkinson (1975) to investigate the possible memory search processes involved in word recognition. In this paradigm subjects learn a number of distinct lists of words (called elements) and each list is associated with a unique consonant (called a symbol).…”

“…In order to make inferences about the memory processes underlying performance in this type of task, investigators have manipulated variables such as list structure and composition and examined the effect of these variables on RT and error rate. At present there is still disagreement as to whether strength models (e.g., Kintsch, 1970;Murdock, 1968;Postman, Jenkins, & Postman, 1948;Wickelgren, 1975), memory search models (e.g., Anderson & Bower, 1974;Shiffrin & Atkinson, 1969;Tulving & Thomson, 1971), or a model employing a combination of strength and search processes (Atkinson & Iuola, 1973 can best account for performance in this task.…”