Memory & stages of
memory
Memory
The ability of an organism to record information
about the events with the facility of recalling them later at
will.
Memory is the ability to take information ,store it ,
recall it,at a later time.
In psychology, memory is broken into three stages.
Encoding
Storage
Retrieval
Encoding
Encoding; the process of receiving, processing and combining information
Encoding allows information from the outside
To reach our senses in the form of physical and chemical stimuli.
Encoding can occur in various ways
Visual Encoding:
Information is encoded in the form of images.
Acoustic Encoding:
Information is encoded in the form of sounds.
Semantic Encoding:
Information is encoded based on its meaning.
Storage
The creation of the permanent record of the encoded
information.
Storage is the second memory stage or process in which we
maintain
over period of time.
Retrieval
Retrieval(or recall, or recognition).
The third process of retrieval of information that we have stored.
We must locate it and return it to our consciousness
Some retrieval attempt may be effortless due to the type of
information.
Example
This is an example of encoding
You meet someone named Alex, and they tell
you their phone number: 123-456-7890. Your
brain encodes this information by converting
the spoken numbers into a neural code, a
unique pattern of neural activity.(encoding
memory)
This is an example of storage memory
Then this number you store in mobile phone
or anything else or in brain.
This is an example of retrieval memory
Then few days later, you want to call on this
number .for calling you have to recall this
number from brain or any other storage device
Types of sensory memory
Sensory memory
Short term memory(STM)
Long term memory(LTM)
1. Sensory Memory:
Sensory memory is the first stage of memory, where
the five senses (sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch) take in
information from the environment. This information is stored
briefly for a very short period of time, ranging from a fraction of
a second to a few seconds. Sensory memory acts as a buffer,
holding sensory information long enough for it to be processed
further.
Some example of sensory memory
The visual sensory memory, such as the fleeting image of a scene just
after you close your eyes.
The tactile sensory memory, like the sensation you feel after touching
something hot or cold briefly.
2. Short-Term Memory (STM):
Short-term memory is the temporary storage system where
information from sensory memory is transferred for further processing.
STM has a limited capacity and can hold information for a relatively short
duration, usually up to 20-30 seconds, without rehearsal. It's where your
conscious thoughts reside and where you manipulate information. For
example, remembering a phone number just long enough to dial it is an
example of short-term memory at work.
Some example of short term memory
Remembering a phone number just long enough to dial it.
Recalling the items on a grocery list while shopping.
Holding a person's name in your mind while engaged in a conversation
3. Long-Term Memory (LTM):
Long-term memory is the stage where information that has
been rehearsed and processed in short-term memory is stored for an
extended period, ranging from days to years, or even a lifetime. Long-
term memory has a theoretically unlimited capacity and can hold vast
amounts of information.
Some examples of long term memory
Remembering specific events in your life, such as your high school
graduation ceremony.
Retaining skills and habits, such as riding a bike or playing a musical
instrument.
Long term memory is divided into two main types:
Explicit (Declarative) Memory:
Implicit (Non-declarative) Memory:
Explicit (Declarative) Memory:
This type of long-term memory involves conscious recollection
of facts and events. Explicit memory can be further divided into
semantic memory (general knowledge) and episodic memory
(personal experiences).
Some examples of explicit memory
Remembering your high school graduation ceremony.
Recalling the details of your last family vacation.
Reminiscing about your first day at a new job.
Implicit (Non-declarative) Memory;
Implicit memory refers to the unconscious influence of prior experiences
on current behavior and performance, without conscious awareness. This
includes skills and habits (procedural memory), priming, and classical
conditioning effects.
Some example of implicit
memory
Riding a bicycle or driving a car
without consciously thinking about
the specific movements.
Typing on a keyboard without having
to look at the keys.
Playing a musical instrument without
actively thinking about finger
placements
