The Atkinson-Shiffrin model of memory potentially explains how memories get stored, processed, and retrieved. Though newer models exist, aspects of the model remain relevant to the study of memory.
The Atikinson-Shiffrin memory model is relatively linear. It possibly provides steps on how new information transfers from sensory input to short-term memory and then long-term memory.
Each form of memory has its own capacity and specific processes for moving information from initial input to long-term memory.
While still prevalent today, newer models and explanations for memory help expand on and provide additional insight into the complexity of memory-making and retrieval.
The Atkinson-Shiffrin model of memory, also known as the multistore model of memory and modal model, proposes that memory breaks down into three distinct storage areas, including:
- sensory memory
- short-term memory (STM)
- long-term memory (LTM)
Each storage area contains a certain amount of space (capacity). The model asserts that these storage areas are structural or permanent, meaning they cannot be changed or influenced.
Memories move from sensory memory to STM to LTM in a linear fashion through several control processes, including:
- Attention: remaining observant and focused when you’re receiving information
- Coding: using techniques, such as mnemonic devices, to process large bits of information
- Rehearsal: using constant repetition to retain information in long-term memory
- Retrieval: accessing stored information through sensory stimuli or self-generated cues
You can use these different control processes to help move information from initial input to long-term memory.
In order for a memory to enter long-term memory, it has to pass through both of the preceding storage areas. Due to this, some people describe the storage areas more as stages.
Sensory memory
Sensory memory is the first stage of the Atkinson-Shiffrin model. It receives a large amount of information from all five of your senses:
- sight
- touch
- sound
- taste
- smell
Unless you pay attention to a particular detail or set of information, sensory memory does not last very long. It can quickly decay and leave the memory storage area.
When you focus on something, such as being told a phone number to call, the information you focus on and give your attention to can get stored in STM.
Short-term memory (STM)
Compared to sensory memories or LTM, STM has a small capacity. It lasts for a very short amount of time unless you take steps to ensure it lasts longer.
To extend the amount of time you remember something, you can use techniques such as rehearsal. Rehearsal, such as repeating a list to memorize a sequence of numbers, allows you to continue to hold on to and retrieve the information.
However, repetition ultimately does not attach any meaning to the information you receive. Engaging in repeated rehearsals or taking steps to encode information more meaningfully can help you process it into long-term memory.
Long-term memory (LTM)
The final storage stage in the Atkinson-Shiffrin model is LTM. LTM has unlimited capacity and duration.
LTM allows you to remember different events in your life and other important information.
Memories given more meaning in STM can be transferred to LTM. Continued rehearsal and attachment of meaning to the memory makes retrieval easier.
For example, you likely can recite your phone number because you have attached a strong meaning to it. Due to its importance, you’re able to retrieve it from your long-term memory when filling out forms or meeting new people.
However, irrelevant information eventually decays, especially if you don’t use it in your daily life.
For instance, consider the Pythagorean theorem or other mathematical principles. Once it’s no longer practiced or retrieved regularly, you will likely start to forget it.
Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin first published information about their memory model in 1968. Since then, it has held up relatively well, and most psychology and memory study textbooks describe it to this day.
Critics of the model
Some suggest the Atkinson-Shiffrin model forms a basis for other theories on memory to build on. In other words, more recent understandings of memory do not argue against the modal model but instead may enhance it.
For example, Alan Baddeley and Graham Hitch
Working memory expands understanding of how STM works instead of replacing the multistore model of memory altogether.
A more recent understanding of memory also subdivides LTM into both explicit and implicit memories. These explanations help add to the overall understanding of how memory works.
Some criticize that the multistore model of memory makes too much of a distinction between short and long-term memory. However, proponents suggest that they found sufficient evidence to support the notion of separate areas of storage, much like more recent studies have.
Currently, research into memory has not stopped. The multistore model of memory continues to provide one possible basis for how it works, but researchers are continuing efforts to understand more about the process.
The Atkinson-Shiffrin memory model suggests memory gets stored in three distinct stages: sensory memory, STM, and LTM. In order for a memory to get stored for the long term, a person must take steps to pass it from sensory to STM and then to LTM.
A person may lose a memory at any time if they do not take steps to ensure they can recall the information. Long-term memories often benefit from attaching greater meaning to the memory being stored, allowing a person to more easily bring it back when needed.