Human memory is the process in which information and material is encoded, stored and retrieved in the brain. Memory is a property of the central nervous system, with three different classifications: short-term, long-term and sensory memory. The three types of memory have specific, different functions but each are equally important for memory processes. Sensory information is transformed and encoded in a certain way in the brain, which forms a memory representation. This unique coding of information creates a memory. Memory and retention are linked because any retained information is kept in human memory stores, therefore without human memory processes, retention of material would not be possible. In addition, memory and the process of learning are also closely connected. Memory is a site of storage and enables the retrieval and encoding of information, which is essential for the process of learning. Learning is dependent on memory processes because previously stored knowledge functions as a framework in which newly learned information can be linked. Information is retained in human memory stores in different ways, but it is primarily done so through active learning, repetition and recall. Information that is encoded and stored within memory stores can often be forgotten. There are multiple explanations for why this happens. These include: ineffective encoding of material, decay of information, interference, competition of newly learned material and retrieval failure. There are multiple ways of improving the abilities of human memory and retention when engaging in learning. These depend on the nature of how the information was originally encoded into memory stores, and whether the stored material is regularly retrieved and recalled. Human memory has been studied throughout history, and there is extensive literature available to help understand its complexity. Recent research in cognitive psychology emphasizes that actively engaging with learned material, rather than passively reviewing it, can significantly improve long-term retention. One of the most effective strategies that has been identified by researchers is retrieval practice, also known as the testing effect, which strengthens memory through the act of recall.
Types of memory
Long-term
Long-term memory is the site for which information such as facts, physical skills and abilities, procedures and semantic material are stored. Long-term memory is important for the retention of learned information, allowing for a genuine understanding and meaning of ideas and concepts. In comparison to short-term memory, the storage capacity of long-term memory can last for days, months, years or for an entire lifetime. Long term memory can still be forgotten so the information that is held here is constantly changing over time. Long-term memory has three components. Procedural memory is responsible for guiding how we perform certain tasks and providing the knowledge of how to do things, such as walking or talking. Semantic memory is responsible for providing general world knowledge through the information we have accumulated over our lives. Episodic memory is responsible for storing autobiographical events that we have personally experienced, which can be stated explicitly.
Short-term Short-term memory is responsible for retaining and processing information very temporarily. It is the information that we are currently aware of thinking about. Short term memory is also known as the working memory. The storage capacity and duration of short-term memory is very limited; information can be lost easily with distraction. A famous paper written by psychologist George Miller in 1956 analyses this concept further. Miller wrote how short-term memory only has the ability to process or hold seven, plus or minus two items at a time, which then expires after roughly 30 seconds. This is due to short-term memory only having a certain number of "slots" in which to store information in. Short term memory allows us to remember 7–8 sections of information. An example would be a phone number or a sequence of words in a sentence. Despite the quick disappearance of information, short-term memory is an essential step for retaining information in long-term memory stores. Without it, information would not be able to be relayed into long-term memory.
Sensory Sensory memory is thought of as a process of perception provided by the human senses. Sensory memory retains the information perfectly and accurately for a few hundred milliseconds. As the retention of information only lasts for such a short amount of time, this type of memory is often thought of as being a part of the process of perception instead of memory. Iconic memory and echoic memory are categories of sensory memory, and relay literal copies of sensory events to our memory. Iconic memory relays visual information and echoic memory relays auditory information. Both types of memory have an unlimited capacity, but have a very short duration; iconic memory lasts for 50-500 milliseconds and echoic memory lasts for 8–10 seconds.
Factors Affecting Information Transfer There are four main factors that influence the transfer of information from short term memory to long term memory:
Emotional State: we learned best when we are alert, motivated, surprised, and aroused due to the release of Norepinephrine which controls the memory of emotionally charges events Rehearsal: Repeating information enhances memory Association: Comparing new and old information helps us remember facts Automatic memory: impressions in long term memory that are not consciously formed
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