Idea that information passes through multiple types of storage and boxes in the brain on its path to being remembered. Based on Atkinson and Shiffrin's info processing model
Atkinson and Shiffrin information processing model
3 box model of memory
3 box model of memory stages:
Sensation
Short term memory
Long term memory
Baddely revised short term memory to be working memory, like a shelf we put info on so we can easily access it again
Iconic memory
Sensory memory for visual stimuli, lasts less than a second
Echonic memory
Sensory memory for auditory stimuli, lasts 1-3 seconds
Sensory memory
Memory that lasts max 3 seconds, as we receive stimuli
Working memory (short term memory)
2nd stage of memory, can contain 7 +- 2 items. Lasts about 30 seconds without maintenance rehearsal, like saying it in our head or out loud
Long term memory
Happens after 30 seconds of processing info, 3rd step of the 3 box model. Has an unlimited capacity, and can last indefinitely
3 box model: stimuli --> attention --> encoding
Maintenance rehersal
Extending working memory by repeating something in your head or out loud. Doesn't actually encode anything but is useful for things like wanting to remember a phone number before you can find a pen to write it down
