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.

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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.

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Cognitive Psychology: Memory and Types of Memory

 

(CP-07) Memory and Types of Memory

Memory is an essential aspect of human cognition, enabling individuals to remember past experiences, learn new information, and make decisions based on previous knowledge. Memory is a complex and multi-faceted process that involves several types and subtypes of memory. In this article, we will explore the different types of memory and their subtypes, including sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.

Memory formation and retrieval involve several processes, including encoding, storage, and retrieval.

Encoding: During encoding, information is perceived and transformed into a neural code that can be stored in the brain.

Storage: Storage involves the consolidation of the memory into long-term storage, where it can be retrieved later.

Retrieval: Retrieval involves accessing stored information and bringing it back into consciousness.

These processes are complex and involve various brain regions and neural pathways, including the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex.

Types of Memory:

Memory can be broadly classified into three main types, each with its unique characteristics and functions:

1. Sensory Memory
2. Short-term Memory
3. Long-term Memory

Sensory Memory:

Sensory memory is the initial stage of memory processing, which receives and temporarily holds sensory information from the environment. Sensory memory is further divided into two subtypes, which are:

1. Iconic Memory: Iconic memory is a subtype of sensory memory that is responsible for processing and storing visual information. It is also known as visual sensory memory and lasts for a very short time, ranging from 0.5 to 2 seconds.
2. Echoic Memory: Echoic memory is another subtype of sensory memory that processes and stores auditory information. It is also known as auditory sensory memory and can last up to four seconds.

Short-term Memory:

Short-term memory is the type of memory responsible for holding and manipulating information for a brief period. Short-term memory has a limited capacity, and the information stored in this type of memory is quickly forgotten if not rehearsed or encoded into long-term memory. It can hold information for up to 20-30 seconds, but the duration can be increased with the use of mnemonic strategies.

Working memory is called "working" because it actively manipulates and processes information in order to complete everyday task, rather than simply storing it like long-term memory. This active manipulation involves the use of attention and cognitive control to select and organize information, as well as to update and maintain it in an active state for short periods of time.

Short-term memory is essential for everyday functioning, such as remembering phone numbers, following instructions, and performing mental calculations.

Long-term Memory:

Long-term memory is the type of memory responsible for storing information for an extended period. It is divided into two subtypes, which are:

1. Explicit Memory: Explicit memory is also known as declarative memory and is responsible for storing information that can be consciously retrieved, such as facts, events, and personal experiences. Explicit memory is further divided into two subtypes, which are:

·         Episodic Memory: Episodic memory is responsible for storing information about specific events or episodes that have been experienced by an individual. It enables individuals to recall past experiences and events in vivid detail, such as the first day of school, a family vacation, or a significant life event.

·         Semantic Memory: Semantic memory is responsible for storing general knowledge and facts that are not related to personal experiences, such as the meaning of words, concepts, and principles.

2. Implicit Memory: Implicit memory is responsible for storing information that is not consciously accessible, such as skills, habits, and conditioned responses. Implicit memory enables individuals to perform tasks without conscious awareness, such as riding a bike, typing on a keyboard, or playing a musical instrument.

Memory plays a critical role in our daily lives, influencing our decision-making, problem-solving, and overall cognitive functioning. It is also an important aspect of various fields, including psychology, neuroscience, and education.

Research has shown that memory can be influenced by several factors, such as age, genetics, environment, and emotions. For example, as we age, our memory capacity and efficiency tend to decline, making it more challenging to remember information accurately.

Furthermore, emotions can impact memory processing, with emotionally charged events often being better remembered than neutral events. This is due to the amygdala, a part of the brain responsible for processing emotions, which can enhance memory consolidation and retrieval.

Memory can also be affected by various disorders, such as amnesia, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. These disorders can impact different types and subtypes of memory, leading to impairments in memory processing and retrieval.

Conclusion:

Memory is a complex and dynamic process that is essential for human cognition and functioning. Memory is multi-faceted process that involves several types and subtypes of memory. Understanding the different types of memory and their subtypes is essential for cognitive psychology students to understand the mechanisms underlying memory processing and retrieval. Sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory are the three main types of memory, with each subtype serving a unique function in the overall process of memory.

 

References:

1. Anderson, J. R. (1974). Retrieval of propositional information from long-term memory. Cognitive Psychology, 6(4), 451–474.
2. Atkinson, R. C., & Shiffrin, R. M. (1968). Human memory: A proposed system and its control processes. The psychology of learning and motivation, 2, 89-195.
3. Baddeley, A. (2012). Working memory: theories, models, and controversies. Annual review of psychology, 63, 1-29.
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7. Cowan, N. (2008). What are the differences between long-term, short-term, and working memory?. Progress in brain research, 169, 323-338.
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13. Miller, G. A. (1956). The magical number seven, plus or minus two: Some limits on our capacity for processing information. Psychological Review, 63(2), 81–97.
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23. Wixted, J. T. (2004). The psychology and neuroscience of forgetting. Annual Review of Psychology, 55(1), 235-269.

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