Nursing theories
open access articles on Nursing theories and models

Atkinson-Shiffrin model
Introduction
- This model is also called multi-store model or modal model of memory.
- It was proposed by proposed in 1968 by Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin.
- Memory is the capability of the brain to encode, store, and retrieve information or data when they are needed.
- Memory is the process of retaining of knowledge over a period for the function of affecting future actions.
- Memory has a three-stage process as encoding, storage and retrieval.
- Encoding is defined as initial learning of information; storage refers to maintaining information over time; retrieval is the ability to access information when you need it.
- Memory represents our identity.
- According to the theory, memory consists of three stores: a sensory register, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM).
- STM is the capacity to store and manipulate information for a short time, while the LTM relates to storing the information for an extended period.
- Two major two subsets of LTM, explicit memory and implicit memory.
- The explicit memory is also termed as declarative memory as it can be expressed voluntarily, through language and other communication manners.
- Two types of explicit memory, episodic and semantic memory.
- The semantic memory represents the conscious and intentional memory of concepts and meanings, whereas the episodic memory is the conscious recollection of an episode, of the sequence of events that characterized it, and of its space-time location.
- Implicit memory, also known as procedural memory, does not require conscious intervention to be retrieved. (e.g., swimming, cycling, driving the car)
- Amnesia is a phenomenon in which there is the problem in memory formation which can be due to trauma to the brain, certain diseases, or stressors.
- The case story of Henry Molaison contributed to the scientific understanding of memory.
References
1. Jawabri KH, Cascella M. Physiology, Explicit Memory. 2023 May 1. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 32119438.
2. Mujawar S, Patil J, Chaudhari B, Saldanha D. Memory: Neurobiological mechanisms and assessment. Ind Psychiatry J. 2021 Oct;30(Suppl 1):S311-S314. doi: 10.4103/0972-6748.328839. Epub 2021 Oct 22. PMID: 34908719; PMCID: PMC8611531.
3. SCOVILLE WB, MILNER B. Loss of recent memory after bilateral hippocampal lesions. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1957 Feb;20(1):11-21. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.20.1.11. PMID: 13406589; PMCID: PMC497229.
4. Sridhar S, Khamaj A, Asthana MK. Cognitive neuroscience perspective on memory: overview and summary. Front Hum Neurosci. 2023 Jul 26;17:1217093. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1217093. PMID: 37565054; PMCID: PMC10410470.