Understanding the Atkinson-Shiffrin Model: Sensory, Short-term, and Long-term Memory Processing.

Atkinson-Shiffrin Model of Memory

sensory memory input-> sensory memory-> attention-> short term memory (unrehearsed info may be lost) -> encoding -> long-term memory (some info may be lost over time)

The Atkinson-Shiffrin model of memory, also known as the modal model, was postulated in 1968 by Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin. It proposes that there are three distinct memory stores: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.

1. Sensory memory: This is the first stage of memory processing, where information from the environment is briefly stored in its original sensory form. It is a very brief memory storage, and its purpose is to allow us to maintain a sense of continuity in our perceptions. Sensory memory can be further divided into:

– Iconic memory: Stores visual images for about 0.5 seconds.
– Echoic memory: Stores auditory information for about 3-4 seconds.

2. Short-term memory: This stage of memory is also known as working memory. It is responsible for temporarily holding information that we are currently using or thinking about. It has a limited capacity and duration. Its capacity is estimated to be 7 ± 2 items, and its duration is about 20-30 seconds but can be extended through rehearsal strategies like repeating information over and over again. Short-term memory is involved in several cognitive processes such as problem-solving, comprehension, and reasoning.

3. Long-term memory: This is the final stage of memory processing, where information is transferred from short-term memory and stored for long periods, even a lifetime. Long-term memory is an unlimited capacity store. It is divided into:

– Explicit memory: Also known as declarative memory, involves conscious and intentional recollection of information. It can be further divided into episodic memory (memory of specific events) and semantic memory (memory of facts and general knowledge).
– Implicit memory: Also known as non-declarative memory, involves unconscious learning and retrieval of skills, habits, and conditioned responses.

The Atkinson-Shiffrin model provides a framework for understanding how information is processed and stored in memory. Through the model, we can better understand how memory works and how information is retrieved.

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