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.

Applying the Three-Stage Memory Model

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.

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First proposed by Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin in 1968, the Atkinson-Shiffrin model is a theory of human memory suggesting that information passes through three distinct stages before being stored. This model is based on the analogy that we process memories in a way similar to how a computer processes information.

Atkinson-Shiffrin Model of Memory

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Sensory memory refers to the storage of brief sensory events, including auditory, visual, and gustatory stimuli. This form of memory is characterized by its very short duration, typically lasting for up to a couple of seconds.

Sensory Memory

Three Stages of the Atkinson-Shiffrin Model

The Atkinson-Shiffrin model is founded on the belief that human memory functions similarly to a computer's information processing system. This analogy compares the encoding, storage, and retrieval of memories to how a computer handles data.

Computer Analogy of the Atkinson-Shiffrin Model

A key principle of the Atkinson-Shiffrin model is that information is filtered out at early stages. Information in sensory memory that is not transferred to the next stage is lost. Likewise, information in short-term memory is also lost if it is not actively rehearsed and moved into long-term memory.

Information Loss in the Atkinson-Shiffrin Model

The Atkinson-Shiffrin model visualizes memory as a sequential process. It begins with sensory input entering sensory memory. Information is then transferred to short-term memory (STM), where it can be maintained through rehearsal. From STM, information can be encoded into long-term memory (LTM). The model also includes a pathway for retrieving information from LTM back into STM for active use.

Information Flow in the Atkinson-Shiffrin Model

While the Atkinson-Shiffrin model describes short-term memory (STM) as a single, linear stage that holds a limited amount of information before transferring it to long-term memory, Baddeley and Hitch's model conceptualizes STM as a dynamic, multi-component "working memory" system. In the Atkinson-Shiffrin model, memory processing is compared broadly to a computer's overall information processing. In contrast, the Working Memory model compares storing memories in STM to opening different specialized computer files (the visuospatial sketchpad, the episodic buffer, and the phonological loop) managed by a central executive depending on the type of information received.

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