Working Memory and the Multi-Store Model are two theories of memory, both showcasing similarities and differences between them. Both the Working Memory and Multi-Store models describe memory to interact and transfer data through various processes with both models expressing memory as interconnected information stores. However, these memory models differ a great deal concerning the functioning of short term memory.

Firstly, both the Working Memory model and the Multi-Store model are hypothetical constructs that try to explain human cognition including memory.  The Multi-Store model was developed by Atkins and Shiffrin (1968) and is a structural model that acknowledges and consists of 3 stores: sensory memory, short-term memory and long-term memory. Similarly, the Working Memory model, supported by Baddley and Hitch (1974), also follows the principles of the same 3 stores. Both models also demonstrate the use of encoding, storage and retrieval of information in their portrayal of the memory systems and although both models have different values, they both highlight similar features. Concepts such as the rehearsal, which is represented in the Multi-Store model to move information from short-term memory to long-term memory and represented in the Working Memory model as a part of the phonological loop, as well as attention, which is represented within the sensory memory for the Multi-Store model and through the central executive for the Working Memory model, are represented differently within the two models, however, both encompass the same idea of memory as an active process.

Both models further depict long-term memory as an unlimited process from which information can be retrieved. It is also within the long-term memory that information in all modalities is stated to be stored. Information in the long-term memory is described to be diverse and wide-ranging as well as being encoded semantically to allow for better retrieval. The long-term memory store is claimed as a dynamic system, in both models, as the store is consistently revising and modifying the information in the case of new information being presented. The Working Memory model, as well as the Multi-Store model, further describe long-term memory as the final destination of memory, creating a conclusion for each memory model. As well as this, within both memory models, long-term memory interacts bidirectionally with short-term memory, during retrieval of information to allow for the information to be comprehended with regard to any prior knowledge.

However, as stated earlier, the Multi-Store model and the Working Memory model do have differences, particularly in the way they represent the sequences of events within memory processing. The Multi-Store model follows a linear sequence, where the information is passed through different stores to finally arrive at the long-term memory. It is within the first store of sensory memory that information will enter if it is detected by sense organs. If this information is attended to it will enter the short-term memory where, with rehearsal, the information will be transferred to the long-term memory. If maintenance rehearsal does not occur then the information is forgotten and lost from short-term memory, due to sensory information decaying rapidly within this model. It is within this memory model that short-term memory is described as a simple unitary store, where information will stay within the short-term memory, as a temporary stage, for 30 seconds. It is here that 7 +/- 2 items can be stored before either being displaced or rehearsed into the long-term memory. 

Alternatively, the Working Memory model differs from the Multi-Store model as the Working Memory model describes short-term memory as a complex and multi-component store, unlike the Multi-Store models of being unitary. The Working Memory model showcases the short-term memory store and the long-term memory store to interact bi-directionally to function effectively. Furthermore, within this memory model, short-term memory consists of the central executive, which coordinates activity within the short-term memory. The central executive is responsible for attention and manipulating information consciously, as it monitors and controls sub-systems, known as the phonological loop and the visuospatial sketchpad. Within the phonological store, 1.5-2 seconds worth of speech-based material is stored that, when rehearsed through maintenance, is then converted to long-term memory in order to prevent a loss of material. The visuospatial sketchpad holds visual information that is encoded in raw form. The memory store is used to manipulate the mental images, whilst being supported by the episodic buffer (Baddeley, 2000), which shows reflexivity of this model, as well as holding and coordinating information from the 3 stores.

Overall, the Working Memory model shows that each sub-system has a role that contributes towards short-term memory as a whole, whereas the Multi-Store model showcases it to be a single unitary system. This demonstrates the differences between the two memory models. Despite the differences, there are still similarities and when the two models are used in conjunction with one another, our understanding of the complexity of memory is greatly increased, especially as the fundamental concepts are strongly established throughout both models.