The Atkinson-Shiffrin Memory Model The Atkinson-Shiffrin three-stage model of memory defines three stages of memory—sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory—through which information passes before it is stored. Information is held in the sensory memory for a split second and then moves into short-term memory. Then, if the information is rehearsed, it moves into long-term memory. However, most of what enters the sensory memory does not make it to the short-term memory, as short-term memory has a limited storage capacity.
The short-term memory can hold a limited amount of information for a short duration, typically lasting for a matter of seconds. The duration for keeping the information can be increased through rehearsal, in which the information is repeated to oneself. The capacity of short-term memory can be increased through chunking, in which information is organized or grouped into meaningful units or divisions.
Information that is learned is stored in long-term memory. The capacity for long-term memory is vast, and the duration can range from years to a lifetime, depending on the amount of rehearsal. Long-term memory is divided into explicit memory (the conscious recollection of previous experiences and information) and implicit memory (the long-term memory of skills and procedures that do not need to be consciously recalled).

Select all the correct answers.
Which of the following details are presented in the body of the passage and in the accompanying chart?

Information in long-term memory must fist pass through sensory and short-term memory.

Information that enters short-term memory must first capture a person’s attention.

Once information enters long-term memory, the length of time it stays there can vary.

Rehearsal allows information to be kept in short-term memory for a longer duration.

Chunking organizes information and allows the capacity of short-term memory to increase.