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Memory and its types

Memory is a cognitive process that allows for the storage, retention, and recall of information, with several types including sensory, short-term, working, and long-term memory. Long-term memory is further divided into explicit (conscious recall) and implicit (unconscious skills) memories, along with autobiographical memory for personal experiences. Each type of memory serves distinct functions and has varying durations and capacities.

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4 views

Memory and its types

Memory is a cognitive process that allows for the storage, retention, and recall of information, with several types including sensory, short-term, working, and long-term memory. Long-term memory is further divided into explicit (conscious recall) and implicit (unconscious skills) memories, along with autobiographical memory for personal experiences. Each type of memory serves distinct functions and has varying durations and capacities.

Uploaded by

kukriya2b
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Memory and its types.

Memory is a complex cognitive process that enables us to store, retain, and


recall information. There are several types of memory, each playing a distinct
role. Here’s a detailed explanation with examples:
1. Sensory Memory
Sensory memory allows you to remember sensory information after the
stimulation has ended. Remembering the sensation of a person’s touch or
a sound you heard in passing is sensory memory.
Duration: Brief (fraction of a second to 1 second)

Function: Holds sensory information from environment


Examples:
- Seeing a flash of lightning and recalling it for a split second
- Hearing a melody and remembering it briefly
There are three types of sensory memory:

Iconic memory, which is obtained through sight


Echoic memory, which is auditory
Haptic memory, which is through touch
2. Short-Term Memory (STM)
As the name implies, short-term memory allows you to recall specific
information about something for a brief period. Short-term memory is not
as fleeting as sensory memory, but it’s also not as permanent as long-term
memory. Short-term memory is also known as primary or active memory.
Duration: Limited (15-30 seconds to 1 minute)
Capacity: 7 ± 2 chunks of information
Function: Temporarily holds information for processing
Examples:
- Remembering a phone number long enough to dial
- Recalling a shopping list for a short time

3. Working Memory
Working memory is a type of memory that involves the immediate and small
amount of information that a person actively uses as they perform cognitive
tasks. While some view working memory as a fourth distinct type of memory,
it can fall under the classification of short-term memory and, in many cases,
is even used interchangeably.

Duration: Limited (similar to STM)


Function: Manipulates and processes information
Examples:
- Mental math calculations
- Following instructions

4. Long-Term Memory (LTM)


We store a vast majority of our memories in our long-term memory. Any
memory we can still recall after 30 seconds could be classified as long-term
memory. These memories range in significance, from recalling the name of a
friendly face at your favorite coffee shop to important bits of information like a
close friend’s birthday or your home address.

There is no limit to how much our long-term memory can hold and for how
long.
Duration: Permanent (years to lifetime)
Capacity: Virtually unlimited
Function: Stores information for extended periods

Examples:
- Childhood memories
- Learned skills (riding a bike)
Long-Term Memory Subtypes

1. Explicit Long-term Memory


Explicit long-term memories are memories we consciously and deliberately
take time to form and recall. Explicit memory holds information such as your
best friend’s birthday or your phone number. It often includes major
milestones in your life, such as childhood events, graduation dates, or
academic work you learned in school.

In short it is conscious recall of events.


Categories of explicit memory:
a. Episodic Memory
Specific events and experiences
- Remembering birthdays, weddings, or graduations

b. Semantic Memory
General knowledge and facts
- Knowing capitals of countries or historical dates
c. Procedural Memory
Skills and habits
- Playing musical instruments or riding a bike
2. Implicit Memory
Implicit memories form unconsciously and might affect the way a person
thinks and behaves.
It often comes into play when we are learning motor skills like walking or
riding a bike. If you learned how to ride a bike when you were 10 and don’t
pick it up again until you are 20, implicit memory helps you remember how
to ride it.
Unconscious recall of skills and habits

Examples:
- Riding a bike without thinking
- Tying shoelaces automatically
5. Autobiographical Memory
Personal experiences and events
Examples:

- Childhood memories
- Important life milestones

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