The Modal Model of Memory

The Modal Model of Memory describes how we process and store information. It suggests there are three main types: sensory memory briefly holds raw sensory input, short-term memory (or working memory) holds a small amount of information for a short period, and long-term memory stores information more permanently. Information flows between these stages; for example, we selectively focus on certain details to transfer them from sensory to short-term memory. Effective encoding and retrieval practices help transfer knowledge into long-term memory, where we can recall it later, forming the basis of our general knowledge.