Learning objective

Applying knowledge of Atkinson and Shiffrin’s multistore model of memory and forgetting to new situations, including the concept of motivated forgetting.

Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.

Practise this topic Read the exam answer Topic hub

Exam focus

Read the explanation.
Check key terms.
Practise with linked questions.

Cambridge IGCSE PsychologyMemory and forgetting

Study support

Understand this objective

Quick explanation

Applying knowledge of Atkinson and Shiffrin’s multistore model of memory and forgetting to new situations, including the concept of motivated forgetting

This point belongs to Atkinson and Shiffrin’s multistore model (MSM) of memory., especially Atkinson and Shiffrin’s multistore model (MSM) of memory. outcomes.
You need to be able to applying knowledge of Atkinson and Shiffrin’s multistore model of memory and forgetting to new situations, including the concept of motivated forgetting.
The key ideas to know are Suggest and Explain.
Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.

Key concepts

SuggestExplain

Why it matters

This objective helps connect Atkinson and Shiffrin’s multistore model (MSM) of memory. outcomes to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Atkinson and Shiffrin’s multistore model (MSM) of memory..

Revision tools

Choose how to practise

Back to topic hub

Flashcards10 linked cards

Flashcard 1 of 10

Press Space to flip, arrows to move

Practice Questions7 linked questions

Question 1 of 7

Choose an answer, get feedback, then move sideways through the set.

0 of 5 attempted

Paper 1 structured question: Atkinson and Shiffrin’s multistore model (MSM) of memory.

Paper 1Approaches, Issues and Debates1 marks

Description

Atkinson and Shiffrin’s Multistore Model

This model describes how information is processed in three stages: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Forgetting can occur at any stage, and motivated forgetting is a concept where individuals may intentionally forget distressing information.

a
Define motivated forgetting
Your answer
Aim for approximately 1 distinct marking point.
[1]

Revision notestopic notes

Open the full topic revision notes when you are ready to review this objective in context.

Open revision notes

Related learning objectives

The multistore model of memory proposed by Atkinson and Shiffrin.
Atkinson and Shiffrin’s multistore model (MSM) of memory. outcomes
Different types of memory stores, including their input, capacity, duration, and retrieval: sensory register (SR) with the role of attention, short-term memory (STM), long-term memory (LTM), and the serial position effect which includes the primacy effect (better recall of initial information) and the recency effect (better recall of recent information).
Atkinson and Shiffrin’s multistore model (MSM) of memory. outcomes
How Atkinson and Shiffrin’s multistore model helps explain forgetting: displacement in short-term memory (STM) where new information causes loss of old information, decay in STM and sensory register (SR) due to lack of rehearsal, and access issues in long-term memory (LTM).
Atkinson and Shiffrin’s multistore model (MSM) of memory. outcomes
Supporting evidence for Atkinson and Shiffrin’s multistore model of memory, particularly from the study on the serial position effect conducted by Murdock.
Atkinson and Shiffrin’s multistore model (MSM) of memory. outcomes
Critique of Atkinson and Shiffrin’s multistore model of memory, noting that it fails to account for the depth of processing.
Atkinson and Shiffrin’s multistore model (MSM) of memory. outcomes

Revision hubs

Move back to a broader study route

Cambridge IGCSE Psychology resources