Need advice on evaluations in psychology A level aqa

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Point: One strength of the multi-store model is that case study evidence supports the model.

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Evidence: For example, HM underwent surgery to remove his hippocampus due to epilepsy. Post-surgery, HM was unable to form new long-term memories but retained the ability to form new short-term memories.

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Explain: This suggests that STM and LTM are located in distinct areas of the brain, as they were differently affected by the removal of the hippocampus. Additionally, the hippocampus's role in prolonged maintenance rehearsal and its removal resulting in an inability to form new long-term memories validate the MSM's claim of linear processing.

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Link: This biological separation strongly supports the MSM's assertion that STM and LTM are structurally distinct, enhancing the model’s credibility. Furthermore, it highlights the model's strength in explaining memory processing in real-life neurological cases.

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Limitation - Case Study Evidence (KF):

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Point: A limitation of the multi-store model is that case study evidence contradicts the claim that short-term memory is a unitary store.

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Evidence: For example, KF, who had amnesia from a motorcycling accident, could recall only two items when presented with auditory information but could recall seven items when presented with visual information.

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Explain: This suggests that short-term memory is not a single store but consists of separate subsystems for different types of information, such as auditory and visual stimuli. This aligns more closely with models that incorporate subsystem distinctions, such as the working memory model.

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Link: Therefore, while KF's case challenges the MSM's unitary view of STM, it supports alternative frameworks, reducing the MSM's credibility. Despite this, it highlights the importance of evolving models based on nuanced findings.

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Limitation - Lack of Ecological Validity (Baddeley’s study on encoding):

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Point: A limitation of the multi-store model is that much of the supporting research, particularly laboratory experiments, suffers from a lack of ecological validity.

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Evidence: For instance, Baddeley’s study on encoding in STM and LTM involved participants recalling a list of meaningless words, which does not mirror real-life memory processes.

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Explain: The use of meaningless words lowers the mundane realism of the task because, in real life, memory typically involves meaningful and personally relevant information. While controlled experiments isolate variables effectively, they fail to replicate the complex, emotional nature of real-world memory use.

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Link: As a result, the lack of ecological validity in these studies raises questions about the MSM's applicability to everyday memory processes. This undermines its credibility as a comprehensive model while emphasizing the need for research that balances control with real-world relevance.

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Limitation - Alternative Models (Dual task studies):

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Point: A further limitation is that there are more accurate models of memory than the multi-store model.

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Evidence: For example, Baddeley and Hitch’s working memory model explains findings from dual-task studies. When participants perform tasks requiring use of both the 'visual-spatial sketchpad' and the 'phonological loop,' the central executive allocates tasks between these two subsystems, resulting in better performance compared to when a single store is used.

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Explain: In contrast, the multi-store model does not account for separate visual and auditory stores in short-term memory, as it views STM as a unitary store. This limitation prevents the MSM from explaining how tasks can be processed simultaneously without interference.

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Link: This suggests that the MSM is limited and oversimplified, whereas more comprehensive models, such as the working memory model, provide a more accurate and detailed understanding of memory processes.