Memory: Difference between revisions

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===== Long-Term Memory =====
===== Long-Term Memory =====
Long-term memory (LTM) is the final stage involved in processing memory and is largely a store of previous events<ref>Cowan N. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2657600/#!po=6.09756 What are the differences between long-term, short-term, and working memory?] Prog Brain Res. 2008; 169: 323-338.</ref>. It refers to memories that have become stable and unyielding to interference<ref name=":1" />. It is otherwise referred to as secondary memory. Recall from LTM is usually done with ease when compared to that from STM. Information storedin LTM can last between months to decades<ref>The Human Memory. Long-Term Memory. Available from:https://human-memory.net/long-term-memory/  (accessed 30 March 2021).</ref>.  
Long-term memory (LTM) is the final stage involved in processing memory and is largely a store of previous events<ref>Cowan N. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2657600/#!po=6.09756 What are the differences between long-term, short-term, and working memory?] Prog Brain Res. 2008; 169: 323-338.</ref>. It refers to memories that have become stable and unyielding to interference<ref name=":1" />. It is otherwise referred to as secondary memory. Recall from LTM is usually done with ease when compared to that from STM. Information storedin LTM can last between months to decades<ref name=":3">The Human Memory. Long-Term Memory. Available from:https://human-memory.net/long-term-memory/  (accessed 30 March 2021).</ref>.
 
There are basically two types of LTM namely: explicit and implicit memory.
 
'''Explicit Memory:''' Also known as declarative memory, explicit memory refers to memories that are consciously brought to the fore. It is further divoded into: episodic memory and semantic memory<ref name=":3" />.  


== How to Improve Memory ==
== How to Improve Memory ==

Revision as of 16:37, 30 March 2021

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Memory is defined simply as the capacity to store and retrieve information[1]. It is a sum of the processes that entail acquiring, storing, retaining and eventually retrieving information[2]. Contrary to popular belief, memory does not deteriorate with age. Memories are stored through the strengthening of synaptic connections between nerve cells.

Types of Memory[edit | edit source]

Three main categories of memory have been identified namely as:

  • Sensory
  • Short-term and
  • Long-term memory[1]
Sensory Memory[edit | edit source]

This form of memory involves an entirely unconscious effort to occur. Sensory memory (SM) is the shortest form of memory. It involves the capacity to store impressions after having ended the original stimulus. It is responsible for receiving stimulus from the five senses which are stored briefly but accurately. Storage of this kind of memory is done automatically and is unable to be elongated through rehearsal. SM translates into short term memory through the process of attention, which involves selectively concentrating on one aspect of the environment while ignoring other elements[3].

Short-Term Memory[edit | edit source]

Short-term memory (STM) may be defined as the maintenance of information over a brief period which often occurs in seconds and results from a conscious maintenance of sensory stimuli within this time frame[4]. It is also known as primary or working memory. It involves remembering and processing information at the same time. Only a small amount of information is stored for a short time ranging from 15 seconds to 1 minute. STM becomes long term memory when information is consciously stored. This process is enhanced through: repetition, associating new information with a previous knowledge and/or a subject of keen interest[3]. The prefrontal cortex is the primary area of the brain responsible for STM.

Long-Term Memory[edit | edit source]

Long-term memory (LTM) is the final stage involved in processing memory and is largely a store of previous events[5]. It refers to memories that have become stable and unyielding to interference[4]. It is otherwise referred to as secondary memory. Recall from LTM is usually done with ease when compared to that from STM. Information storedin LTM can last between months to decades[6].

There are basically two types of LTM namely: explicit and implicit memory.

Explicit Memory: Also known as declarative memory, explicit memory refers to memories that are consciously brought to the fore. It is further divoded into: episodic memory and semantic memory[6].

How to Improve Memory[edit | edit source]

Disorders of Memory[edit | edit source]

Resources[edit | edit source]

  • bulleted list
  • x

or

  1. numbered list
  2. x

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Zlotrik G, Vansintjan A. Memory: An Extended Definition. Front Psychol 2019; 10: 2523.
  2. Kendra C. Verywell mind: What is Memory? [Internet] 2020 [cited 15 May 2020]. Available from: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-memory-2795006#:~:text=Memory%20refers%20to%20the%20processes,encoding%2C%20storage%2C%20and%20retrieval.
  3. 3.0 3.1 The Human Memory. Sensory Memory. Available from:  https://human-memory.net/sensory-memory/ (accessed 29 March 2021).
  4. 4.0 4.1 Brem AK, Ran K, Pascual-Leone A. Learning and memory. Handb Clin Neurol 2013; 116:693-737
  5. Cowan N. What are the differences between long-term, short-term, and working memory? Prog Brain Res. 2008; 169: 323-338.
  6. 6.0 6.1 The Human Memory. Long-Term Memory. Available from:https://human-memory.net/long-term-memory/ (accessed 30 March 2021).