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According to the Atkinson-Shiffrin model, for a memory to be placed into long-term storage, it must sequentially pass through three distinct stages: first Sensory Memory, then Short-Term Memory, and finally Long-Term Memory.

Three Stages of the Atkinson-Shiffrin Model

Long-term memory (LTM) is the system for continuous and permanent storage of information, characterized by a practically limitless capacity. It holds memories for extended periods, from minutes to a lifetime. Fundamentally, LTM is divided into two main categories: implicit memory, which is unconscious, and explicit memory, which involves conscious recall. Information within LTM is typically organized into complex, structured networks.

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

Short-term memory (STM) serves as a temporary storage system that processes incoming information from sensory memory. It is capable of retaining a limited amount of data for a brief duration of 15 to 30 seconds. While in this active state, short-term memory can also integrate new sensory input with existing knowledge retrieved from long-term memory. Although often confused with working memory, short-term memory is more accurately classified as a distinct sub-component within the broader working memory framework.

Short-term Memory (STM)

Within the Atkinson-Shiffrin model, sensory memory is the initial stage where environmental stimuli like sights, sounds, and tastes are first processed. This storage is extremely brief, lasting only up to a couple of seconds. During this stage, a filtering process occurs where information deemed not valuable is discarded, while significant information is transferred to the short-term memory system for further processing.

Sensory Memory in the Atkinson-Shiffrin Model

A person sees a new phone number on a billboard, mentally rehearses it until they can write it down a few seconds later, and is then able to recall it the next day. According to the model that describes memory as a sequence of three distinct stages, place the following memory events in the correct order.

A person is driving and briefly glances at a billboard with a phone number. To remember it long enough to make a call a few moments later, they repeat the number to themselves several times. The next week, they are surprised they can still recall the number. Based on the model that proposes information passes sequentially through three distinct stages to be stored, explain how each part of this scenario corresponds to one of the three stages.

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