brief description of the Atkinson-Shiffrin memory model...

The Atkinson-Shiffrin model of memory paints a very chilling and robotic image of memories. Basically, our sensory organs transmit signals to our short-term memory (example, someone slapping you). Here, they're stored and then processed, inciting whatever appropriate response is necessary (example, "Fuck You!"). The short-term memory is likened to the cache memory of a computer, the highest and most volatile and most active part of the processor.

Long-term memory, is unlike a hard-disk however. Instead, the Atkinson-Shiffrin model puts forth that repetition of a short-term memory, (example, seeing Elvin's mug day-in-day-out) "imprints" this process onto the long-term memory. Triggering the long-term memory, then draws the sought memory onto the short-term, where again it is processed, inciting whatever appropriate response is necessary (example, "Damnit, u're ugly, Elvin!").

But this does not explain how SINGULAR events can create a lasting impression on people without repetition. It is argued that such events cause the sensory organs to be biased, transmitting SIMILAR signals to the short term, inciting the same long-term memory, regardless of how ugly Elvin really is.