Memory involves three processes - encoding, storing, and retrieval. There are three main types of memory: sensory memory, which lasts less than two seconds; short-term memory, which can hold information for about 30 seconds; and long-term memory, which stores information relatively permanently. Information moves through three stages - it is initially stored in sensory memory, then potentially transferred to working memory for around 30 seconds through rehearsal, and finally may be consolidated into long-term memory for retrieval.
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Memory
Memory is the mental process of retaining and recalling information or experiences. Memory
process is collection of three sub-processes-encoding, storing and retrieval.
Encoding is the initial process when the mind perceives and registers the information. Storing is
to keep encoded information in a good shape to be remembered easily over the time. Lastly the
retrieval process recovers the stored information on the individual’s demand.
Types of Memory
1. Sensory Memory: It refers to the initial process of storing information that is perceived
through our senses. It lasts for a subtle period and it is regularly replaced by new data, as
our senses work continuously.
2. Short-term or Working Memory: It points to the ability to store information for a short
time by repetition. For example, memorizing mobile number.
3. Long-term Memory: It points the ability to remember things for a very long time or the
entire lifespan. For example, riding bicycle, playing ball.
Stages for Forming & Storing Memories
There are three main stages for forming and storing memories. Information from our senses is
initially stored in sensory memory. Although information is retained in Sensory Memory for less
than two seconds to interpret it and to decide which parts of it are important enough to pay
attention to and transfer to working memory. Information in working memory is stored in terms
of how it sounds can be held in working memory for only about thirty seconds unless we
continue to maintain them by repeating them to ourselves. Short Term memory works best with
audio input rather than visual. This repetition process is known as rehearsal. Rehearsal enables us
to transfer information we wish to remember more permanently to our third and final memory
store, known as long term memory. We may not always be able to retrieve information from
Long Term Memory in the same way a book in a library may be sometimes hard to find- but
once it is there, it is stored relatively permanently and we don’t forget it like in Sensory Memory
or Working Memory.
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Figure 1: Stages of Forming Human Memory.
In conclusion we can say, after being exposed to external stimuli, our brains first need to encode
the information to create a memory of it. Next, the information is stored and added to other
banks of past memories. In the final stage, the brain attempts to retrieve a memory that has
already been stored.