Memory outlines the nature of humans and the manner in which new ideas generate and information retained within a given duration. Different models define the way in which minds work. Dual-Store model advanced by Atkinson Richard and Shiffrin Richard, best outline the human brain. The model creates three stages under which the human memory functions. In essence, the human memory bases on a Dual-store model comprising three stages (Nicholas, 2009). The Sensory Register acts as an initial stage. The stage determines the memories that will pass on to the rest of the process. The information then passes to the working memory. According to Groome (2013), the step holds information for a limited period and lacks the needed storage capacity. Data during the period may be passed to the long-term memory or forgotten in totality. The long-term stage comprises of an unlimited ability and can store information for a lifetime. The human mind remains complex, and while reflecting on Atkinson and Shiffrin, it is best to place the model on practices.
Music remains a significant source of entertainment and information. Humans interact differently depending on their preferred genre of music. Listening to new music, highlight the concepts of the dual-store model as championed by Atkinson and Shiffrin. Auditory system commences work at this stage. The ears at this stage identify the vibration as sound with rhythm and within seconds transfer the information to the working memory. According to Nicholas (2009), the sensory register only prepares data then transfers the same to short-term memory. The information developed at this stage would depend on the functionality of the auditory system. Any deficiency (disability) will mean the lack of attention thus the sensory register won’t initiate the three stages.
The Working Memory then takes charge, thus processing information. According to Nicholas (2009), the short-memory mind worked in two ways, in that information upon rehearsal may be transferred to the long-term memory or may be discarded in totality. In this case, the listener can recite the chorus within seconds thanks to the short memory. If the listener rehearses the song, then the information gets into the long-term memory and stays there for an unlimited period. On the other hand, the listener may lack interest and thus forgets the words of the song in totality.
A successful rehearsal and periodic listening would make the listener familiar with the words, message and the beats of given music made so due to the final stage of the model (long-term memory stage). The information returns to the short-term memory in a process called retrieval (Cowan, 2008 & Nicholas 2009). In this case, after a period, upon listening to the beats one would be able to relate to the sounds and meaning of the music thus mimicking the singer and interpreting the meaning of the song. According to Cowan (2008), retrieval failures may occur in-between the long-term and short-term stages. Thus on may vividly remember the words or the meaning of the song or totality forget.
In conclusion, the human brain works in three major stages while storing information. The initial stages only allow the working memory to store given information for define periods. The third stage of the model remains an open capacity and explains why specific information and events stay stuck in our minds while others disappear. Lose of memory occurs due to retrieval failure.
Reference
Cowan, N. (2008).What are the Differences between Long-term, Short-term, and Working Memory. Progress in Brain Research, 169: 323–338.
Groome, D. (2013). An Introduction to Cognitive Psychology: Processed and Disorders. New York: Psychology Press.
Nicholas, L. (ed). (2009). Introduction to Psychology. Cape Town: Juta and Company Ltd.
