The foundations of the General Theory are described at a conceptual level of understanding. The basic terminology of memory research is presented. The main focus is on the proposed memory structures and the control processes that guide the flow of information though them. The assumed memory structures are sensory registers, the short-term store, and the long-term store. Control processes are models of the flow information through these structures to support the performance of tasks that lead to the achievement of a subjective goal. Empirical support for the fundamental assumptions of the General Theory are provided.