Psychology: The Concept, Process and Types of Memory

 (ITP-14) The Concept, Process and Types of Memory

 

Abstract: Memory is a fascinating and complex phenomenon that plays a crucial role in our everyday lives, and understanding memory is important for students in their studies, future careers, and personal relationships. This blog explores the different types of memory, including sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory, which is divided into explicit and implicit memory. The processes involved in memory formation and retrieval, such as encoding, storage, and retrieval, are also discussed. By understanding these processes, we can improve our memory and enhance our ability to learn and remember information. Additionally, this blog provides tips for improving memory, which can be helpful for students and anyone seeking to enhance their cognitive abilities. Overall, understanding memory is essential for success in various aspects of life, and this blog provides valuable insights into this complex phenomenon.

Top of Form

 

Memory is a fascinating and complex phenomenon that plays a crucial role in our everyday lives. As students, understanding memory is important because it can help us in our studies, our future careers, and even in our personal relationships. In this blog, we will explore the different types of memory, the processes involved in memory formation and retrieval, and some tips for improving our memory.

Processes Involved in Memory Formation and Retrieval:

Memory formation and retrieval involve several processes, including:

1. Encoding: This is the process of converting information into a form that can be stored in memory.
2. Storage: This is the process of retaining information in memory.
3. Retrieval: This is the process of accessing stored information and bringing it into conscious awareness.

Types of Memory:

There are several types of memory, each of which plays a different role in our lives. Here are some of the main types of memory:

1. Sensory Memory: This is the initial stage of memory and it holds information from our senses (such as vision, hearing, and touch) for a very short period of time (usually less than a second). ensory memory is the initial stage of memory that holds information from our senses for a very short period of time. It is divided into different types, including iconic memory and echoic memory.

·         Iconic Memory: Iconic memory is a type of sensory memory that holds visual information for a brief period of time, typically less than a second.

·         Echoic Memory: Echoic memory is a type of sensory memory that holds auditory information for a brief period of time, typically a few seconds.

2. Short-term Memory: This type of memory holds information for a brief period of time (usually a few seconds to a minute) and has a limited capacity (7±2 items).

·         Working Memory: This type of memory is similar to short-term memory but also involves manipulation of information. It is used in tasks that require active processing of information, such as problem-solving.

3. Long-term Memory: This type of memory has a much greater capacity and can hold information for a much longer period of time (from minutes to a lifetime). It is divided into two main types:

·         Explicit Memory (also known as Declarative Memory): This type of memory is conscious and involves the recall of facts, events, and experiences. It is divided into two subtypes:

v  Episodic Memory: This type of memory involves the recall of specific events or experiences, such as what you did on your last birthday.

v  Semantic Memory: This type of memory involves the recall of general knowledge, such as the capital of a country.

·         Implicit Memory (also known as Non-declarative Memory): This type of memory is unconscious and involves the recall of skills, habits, and other non-conscious forms of learning. Examples include riding a bike or playing a musical instrument.

Everyday Examples of Different Types of Memory:

• Sensory Memory: Remembering the sound of a fire truck siren after it has passed by, or the image of a bright flash of lightning.
• Short-Term Memory: Recalling a phone number that was just heard, or remembering the items on a grocery list while walking through the store.
• Long-Term Memory: Recalling a childhood memory, or remembering the name of a childhood friend.

The Interlinking of Human and Computer Memory: 

    The concept of human memory and computer memory are interlinked in many ways. Computer memory, like human memory, involves the storage and retrieval of information. 

    The architecture of computer memory is inspired by the human brain, with features such as RAM and cache memory that function similarly to the way human short-term memory works. Additionally, computer memory is used to enhance human memory through technology, such as using external and internal hard drives or cloud storage to store and retrieve information as Long Term Memory. Overall, the study of computer memory has greatly expanded our understanding of human memory and how it functions.

References:

1. Atkinson, R. C., & Shiffrin, R. M. (1968). Human memory: A proposed system and its control processes. Psychology of learning and motivation, 2, 89-195.
2. Baddeley, A. D. (2012). Working memory: theories, models, and controversies. Annual review of psychology, 63, 1-29.
3. Conway, M. A. (2009). Memory and the self. Journal of memory and language, 61(3), 219-233.
4. Cowan, N. (2008). What are the differences between long-term, short-term, and working memory?. Progress in brain research, 169, 323-338.
5. Craik, F. I., & Lockhart, R. S. (1972). Levels of processing: A framework for memory research. Journal of verbal learning and verbal behavior, 11(6), 671-684.
6. Ebbinghaus, H. (1885). Über das Gedächtnis: Untersuchungen zur experimentellen Psychologie [On Memory: Investigations in Experimental Psychology]. Duncker & Humblot.
7. Eichenbaum, H. (2000). A cortical-hippocampal system for declarative memory. Nature reviews Neuroscience, 1(1), 41-50.
8. Fuster, J. M. (1997). The prefrontal cortex: Anatomy, physiology, and neuropsychology of the frontal lobe. Lippincott-Raven.
9. Kandel, E. R., Schwartz, J. H., & Jessell, T. M. (2000). Principles of neural science. McGraw-Hill.
10. Nadel, L., & Moscovitch, M. (1997). Memory consolidation, retrograde amnesia and the hippocampal complex. Current opinion in neurobiology, 7(2), 217-227.
11. Roediger III, H. L., & Butler, A. C. (2011). The critical role of retrieval practice in long-term retention. Trends in cognitive sciences, 15(1), 20-27.
12. Roediger III, H. L., & McDermott, K. B. (1995). Creating false memories: Remembering words not presented in lists. Journal of experimental psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 21(4), 803-814.
13. Schacter, D. L. (2001). The seven sins of memory: Insights from psychology and cognitive neuroscience. American Psychologist, 56(3), 182-193.
14. Schacter, D. L., & Tulving, E. (1994). What are the memory systems of 1994?. In Memory systems 1994 (pp. 1-38). MIT Press.
15. Squire, L. R. (1992). Memory and the hippocampus: a synthesis from findings with rats, monkeys, and humans. Psychological review, 99(2), 195-231.
16. Squire, L. R., & Zola-Morgan, S. (1991). The medial temporal lobe memory system. Science, 253(5026), 1380-1386.
17. Tulving, E. (2002). Episodic memory: From mind to brain. Annual review of psychology, 53(1), 1-25.

Top of Form