The Atkinson and Shiffrin model, proposed by Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin in 1968, is a foundational theory in cognitive psychology that describes how memory works. It outlines three main components: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Sensory memory briefly holds information from the senses, while short-term memory temporarily stores information for immediate use. Long-term memory is where information is stored more permanently. This model emphasizes the flow of information through these stages, suggesting that information must pass through sensory and short-term memory before being encoded into long-term memory. The Atkinson and Shiffrin model has influenced further research in memory and cognitive processes, including studies on memory retention and information processing.