Memory models are theoretical frameworks that describe how information is processed, stored, and retrieved in the brain. They help researchers understand the different types of memory, such as short-term memory and long-term memory, and how these systems interact. Common models include the Atkinson-Shiffrin model, which outlines a three-stage process of encoding, storage, and retrieval. Another important model is the working memory model proposed by Baddeley and Hitch, which emphasizes the active manipulation of information. This model divides working memory into components, such as the central executive and phonological loop, highlighting how we manage and use information in real-time tasks.