Memory
Memory
There are three main processes of that characterize how memory works. These
processes are encoding, storage, and retrival ( or recall).
Encoding - Information is learned usually encoded through one or more of the four
methods:
Storage - Refers to how, where, how much, and how long encoded information is
retained within the memory system.
Encoded information is first store in the STM and then, if need be, is stored in the
LTM. (Roedigger & Mcdermott, 1995)
Short-term memory - lasts between 15 and 30 seconds and can only store between
five and nine items of information with seven items being the average number.
Long-term memory - Has immense storage capacity and the information store in
here can be stored indefinitely.
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1993-40111-001
Divided up into different types of memory and so that the model we’re
going to start with is called the 3-box model (sensory memory, short-
term memory, and long-term memory) also called the Atkinson-Shiffin
model.
Information enters through the sensory system but may not make it to long-
term or even short-term memory.
Sensory Memory
-the first system in the process of memory, the point at which information
enters the nervous system through sensory systems.
Information is encoded into sensory memory as neutral messages in the
nervous system.
There are two kinds of sensory memory that have been studied extensively.
- Iconic (visual)
- Echoic (auditory)
George Sperling had found in his early studies that if he presented a grid of
letters using a machine that allowed very fast presentation, his subject could
only remember about four or five of the letters, no matter how many had
been presented.
Long-term memory plays a crucial role in shaping our knowledge, skills, and
even our identity. Understanding how it works can help in improving study
habits and daily functioning.
(https://study.com/learn/lesson/long-term-memory-
types-examples.html)
Short-term memory is the capacity to store a small amount of information in the mind and keep it
readily available for a short period of time. It is also known as primary or active memory.
o Short-term memory is very brief.
o Short-term memory is limited.
Most of the information kept in short-term memory will be stored for approximately 20 to 30
seconds, or even less. Some information can last in short-term memory for up to a minute.
However, the information in short-term memory is also highly susceptible to interference. Any
new information that enters short-term memory will quickly displace old information. Similar
items in the environment can also interfere with short-term memories.
Capacity
The amount of information that can be stored in short-term memory can vary. In 1956, in an
influential paper titled "The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two," psychologist George
Miller suggested that people can store between five and nine items in short-term memory.
More recent research suggests that people are capable of storing approximately four chunks or
pieces of information in short-term memory.
Maintenance Rehearsal
Maintenance rehearsal (or rehearsal) can help move memories from short-term to long-term
memory.
Chunking
Chunking is one memorization technique that can facilitate the transfer of information into long-
term memory. This approach involves organizing information into more easily learned groups,
phrases, words, or numbers.
Mnemonics
Easily remembered mnemonic phrases, abbreviations, or rhymes can help move short-term
memories into long-term storage.
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-short-term-memory-2795348
MEMORY DISORDERS
A memory disorder is any change in your brain structures that interferes with your ability to
make, keep, or recall memories.
Memory disorders are often classified according to how long they last. Memory loss could be:
AMNESIA
Amnesia is a substantial loss of memory, including diminished ability to remember the past, to
create new memories, or both. Amnesia can have many possible causes and encompasses various
manifestations of memory loss, including sudden and temporary forms as well as gradual and
permanent losses, as in dementia.
https://www.healthline.com/health/memory-disorders#symptoms
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-causes-memory-loss-4123636