Sensory Memory
In psychology, sensory memory is merely when information first enters someone’s processing system. This is what makes it possible to so readily recall events that have occurred seconds ago but not as easily as minutes pass. Sensory memory is how we can carry on conversations or complete coherent thoughts.
Short-term Memory
You’re probably most familiar with short-term memory regardless of your exposure to psychology training or classes because the media and news are flooded with reports on and cures about it. But did you know short term memory is also known as working memory? This second phrase may help put into perspective how natural having some short term memory is and why it isn’t necessarily to be feared in smaller, healthy cases.
But what exactly is short-term memory? In psychology, short-term memory is the jargon for being aware of and using memories and information after a short period of time. For example, when you are studying for a test, you may memorized a list of psychology definitions so that you can later recall them during relevant questions, but you will probably also forget many of the definitions later. When using short-term memory, people can typically easily remember about seven items or facts for a small interval of time. However, with the process known as “chunking,” which is a system in which individuals break information into larger units with which commonalities unite them, the capacity for short-term memory may increase. For example, if you have to memorize a list of unrelated psychology definitions, you will probably easily remember about seven and then have to work a bit harder. However, if all the definitions fall under categories, you may more easily remember more because there are specific types which will jog your memory.
Furthermore, you may increase your capacity for short-term memory by use of what is called “rehearsal” in psychology. This means that you may readily recall information using short term memory if that information is repeated beforehand. We all know that looking at a list of psychology terms may be overwhelming at first, but if the list is read multiple times, the likelihood that more terms will be committed to short-term memory increases. Typically, this is how a great number of students prepare for an assessment when they know they will never be tested on the same information again.
Long-term Memory
When we talk about long term memory in psychology, we are discussing a memory that is relatively permanently stored within the mind. This type of memory is both long in duration and is not limited in capacity, which means that contrary to popular belief, there is not a certain amount of room in your mind which may become filled if you start learning many things. How does a memory become long term? Any short-term memory may become a long-term memory with enough rehearsal.
Also, there are three main types of long-term memory. The first type is known as implicit memory and refers to a memory used for skills and motor patterns, like writing or learning to use a tool. Typically, we don’t consciously recall implicit memories after we have mastered manipulation of these gestures or movements; the use of implicit memory is why we never forget how to ride a bike. The psychology jargon which stands in contrast to an implicit memory is an explicit memory. An explicit memory refers to the memory of a fact, like an event or meaning. Therefore, an example of an explicit long term memory is your unfailing ability to recall the date of your birth without hesitation. Within psychology, the third type of long-term memory is known as semantic and refers to the memory of more general information and meaning, such as the feeling of a hot day compared to a cold one. Lastly, the final type of long-term memory is called episodic, and covers the types of long term memory which detail specific personal events. Thanks to this type of long-term memory, you can easily recall important life events even if you have not discussed or thought about them in years. In a sense, episodic long-term memory is the reason you feel like a continuous person, though you may infrequently if ever consider the implications of such a belief or feeling.
WORKS CITED
Myers, David G. Psychology. New York: Worth, 2010. Print.