The Definition of a Memory in Psychology
We can all recall the definition of “memory,” but what may not be so fresh in our minds are the different aspects of memory, those with which psychology students and enthusiasts alike would do well to familiarize themselves. Memory is also composed of different parts such as encoding (which may be shallow or deep), storage and retrieval (which may consist of recall or recognition). Luckily, all of this psychology jargon is easy to learn and can help immediately better your understanding of how memory works.
Encoding a Memory
Even if you are a psychology novice or aren’t sure of the exact definition of encoding in terms of psychology, it’s easy to commit to jargon because it means exactly what it sounds like. Encoding merely means taking information and storing it within your memory. For example, you ideally would have read this description and will keep it within your memory banks. Therefore, you have probably just performed an example of encoding yourself!
Levels of Processing for Encoding a Memory
Now that we have covered the definition of encoding in terms of the psychology of memory, we will progress to the equally intimidating jargon for specific types of encoding and thus memory. Called “levels of processing,” these specific types can be shallow encoding or deep encoding. When encoding of a memory is shallow, information is stored more superficially. For example, you may encode into memory the capitol of a specific state. Devoid of any further information, this memory will be shallow and easier to forget. However, information which has deep encoding also has some sort of relationship with other information, or a reason for which you may remember for longer or more readily. For example, while shallow encoding may call for simply committing the capitol of a state to memory, deep encoding may call for also committing some sort of memory trick or historical fact to memory which will draw connections within your mind about the capitol itself.
Memory Retrieval
Memory retrieval is just psychology jargon for experiencing a memory, or remembering information at a later time upon command. (You may commit this definition to memory with deep encoding by thinking about how you couldn’t possibly have a memory if you did not retrieve information from before.) Of memory retrieval there are two types, recall and recognition. In psychology, when you recall a memory, you are merely giving information in response to some trigger, may it be a cue or inquiry. For example, if you are sitting in class and your psychology teacher asks you what recall is, you will recall previously encountered information and use it as your answer. There is a slight difference between recognition and recall, but it is nonetheless important. Recognition is when you actually decide if you have encountered information before. Thus, even though you must have had encountered information before in order to recall, you may not consciously be deciding if you have ever encountered that information before. Recognition is when you consciously decide if you have encountered that information before, or if you have a memory of that information.
WORKS CITED
Myers, David G. Psychology. New York: Worth, 2010. Print.