What are the three types of memory processes?
Memory serves human beings in many complex ways. It enables us to process our environment. Improve behavior. Give context to our lives. Studies of this psychological phenomenon reveal that memory occurs in stages, which gives us valuable insight into the inner workings of the brain. Show The Phenomenon of MemoryBrian Becker, associate professor of neuropsychology at Lesley University, defines memory as “the process in which the mind interprets, stores, and retrieves information.” When you obtain information from the world around you, Becker explains, that material is kept in the brain as a mental representation and made retrievable for future use. A number of factors impact the way the brain retrieves a memory — if it’s recalled at all. Stages of Memory CreationThe brain has three types of memory processes: sensory register, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Sensory RegisterIn the sensory register process, the brain obtains information from the environment. This activity is short, lasting at most a few seconds. During sensory register, the brain gathers information passively through visual and auditory cues, known respectively as “iconic” and “echoic” memory. Becker gives the examples of a computer screen and a conversation to illustrate how to recognize sensory register. When you look at a computer screen and then look away, but can still see the screen’s image, this is iconic memory at play. Similarly, when you have conversations with others and ask them to repeat themselves, only to understand what they said a moment later, it demonstrates echoic memory. In the memory-making process, attention is considered a stage between sensory register and short-term memory. Short-term memory formation can begin through giving your attention to the information received through sensory register. Short-Term MemoryAccording to Becker, short-term memory occurs in two parts: traditionally termed “short-term memory” and “working memory.” Short-term memory is when the brain stores information temporarily so that it can be repeated, such as remembering a phone number you see on TV. Working memory refers to the brain storing information for the purpose of manipulating it, such as remembering a set of numbers while working on a math problem. When psychologists talk about improving memory, they most commonly focus on working memory because you have the most control over it and can actively improve it. Long-Term MemoryMany think of long-term memory as a permanent “bank” within the brain. Once a memory arrives there, the mind stores it completely and indefinitely. In truth, this is not the case. Although the long-term memory process allows information to remain in the brain for an extended period, nothing in the brain avoids risk. Information stored in long-term memory can stay in the brain for a short while (a day, a week) or last as long as a lifetime. When long-term memories form, the hippocampus retrieves information from the working memory and begins to change the brain’s physical neural wiring. These new connections between neurons and synapses stay as long as they remain in use. Psychologists divide long-term memory into two length types: recent and remote. Long-term memory can also be described by the nature of the memories themselves, according to The Guardian:
1 Programs Psychology Online How to Apply ForgettingForgetting can manifest as inattention or can happen because the brain does not reinforce a memory long enough to store it. Research suggests two main theories as to why memories are forgotten:
Psychologist Daniel Schacter further details the vulnerabilities of the mind in his book The Seven Sins of Memory. These specific failures, which Schacter calls “sins,” include:
Although memory remains susceptible to all sorts of problems, the brain’s elasticity is unique and remarkable. Memory is just as capable of improving as decaying. Methods for Improving Memory
Making Psychology Your CareerPsychology is a fascinating field of study, applicable to nearly any area of the workforce. At Lesley University, the online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree provides the training you need to gain insight into human behavior. This practical curriculum covers areas like individual development, cognition, personality, abnormal psychology, and more. It also requires an internship experience for hands-on learning. With the BA in Psychology degree, you’ll be prepared to succeed in any number of psychology-related fields or continue with graduate study. Related Articles & StoriesRead more about our students, faculty and alumni. The Science of Personality DevelopmentWhy are specific people generally the way they are? Learn more about personality development. What Can You Do With a Psychology Degree?The world of psychology is vast, with many potential career paths to choose from. Learn more about careers for psychology majors. News Professor who climbed Everest to speakWorcester Polytechnic Institute Assistant Professor Heather Macdonald has climbed in the Himalayas seven time and will join a panel at the Museum of Science. |