Expert Insights: Memory Explained

University:
Harvard University
Course:
PSY 15 | Social Psychology
Academic year:

2023
Views:

0

Pages:

2
Author:

Killer Mughal

Memory Memory is the process by which information is encoded, stored, and retrieved. It allows us to retain and recall past experiences and knowledge. The key processes are encoding, which involves converting information into a form that can be stored, storage, which involves maintaining information over time, and retrieval, which involves accessing stored information when needed. Types: • Sensory memory • Short term memory • Long term memory 1: Sensory memory : Sensory memory is a brief, automatic, and unconscious memory storage system that retains sensory information from our environment for a short period Characteristic • • • • • Brief Duration: Lasts only a few seconds. Automatic Processing: Processes information automatically. Unconscious Processing: Processes information unconsciously. Limited Capacity: Has a limited capacity to hold information. Volatile Nature: Information is easily lost or forgotten. Types of Sensory Memory Iconic Memory: Iconic memory is the sensory memory that briefly retains visual information. Lasts only about 0.5-1 second. Example: Watching a rapid sequence of images and recalling the sequence. Echoic Memory: Echoic memory is the sensory memory that briefly retains auditory information. Lasts only about 2-4 seconds. Example: Hearing a melody and recalling it a few seconds later. 2: Short-Term Memory Short-term memory is a temporary storage system that holds limited information for a short period, allowing for processing and transfer to long-term memory. Characteristics Duration: Around 15-30 seconds. Limited Capacity: Can hold approximately 7 ± 2 chunks of information. Working Memory: Acts as working memory for immediate tasks. Voluntary Rehearsal: Requires voluntary rehearsal and repetition to maintain information. Examples Holding a shopping list in mind while shopping. 3: Long term memory Long-term memory is a cognitive system that permanently stores and retrieves vast amounts of information, skills, and experiences over an extended period. Characteristics Permanent Storage: Information is stored permanently, unless affected by brain damage or disease. Large Capacity: Can store vast amounts of information. Long Duration Retention: Information can be retained for hours, years, or even a lifetime. Types of Long-Term Memory: 1: Explicit Memory: The ability to consciously recall and remember past experiences, facts, and information. Subtype • Episodic Memory: Memory of personal experiences and specific events, often including details like time and place. Example: Remembering your first day of school. • Semantic Memory: Memory of general knowledge, facts, and concepts unrelated to personal experiences. Example: Knowing the capital of France is Paris. 2: Implicit Memory: A type of memory that does not require conscious thought, expressed through actions rather than words. Subtypes: Procedural Memory: Memory of how to perform tasks and actions, often acquired through repetition and practice. Examples: Riding a bike, playing a musical instrument, or typing on a keyboard. Note: Implicit memory is not necessarily "mystic" or mysterious, but rather a natural process by which our brains learn and recall skills and habits without conscious awareness.

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