Types of Memory and Memory Formation

Types of Memory

• Sensory Memory: brief storage of sensory information in the brain, lasts for a few seconds
• Short-Term Memory (STM): limited capacity, information is held for a short period (up to 30 seconds)
• Long-Term Memory (LTM): permanent storage of information, can be retrieved at a later time

Stages of Memory Formation

1. Encoding: information is processed and stored in the brain
2. Consolidation: information is transferred from STM to LTM
3. Retrieval: accessing stored information from LTM

Memory Models

• Atkinson-Shiffrin Model: multi-store model, proposes separate stores for sensory, short-term, and long-term memory
• Levels of Processing Model: proposes that information is processed at different levels (shallow or deep) and stored accordingly

Forgetting

• Decay Theory: memory trace fades over time
• Interference Theory: new information interferes with existing information, causing forgetting
• Repression: unconsciously forgetting traumatic or unpleasant events

Memory Improvement Techniques

• Repetition: repeating information to solidify it in memory
• Chunking: breaking down information into smaller, manageable chunks
• Mnemonics: using associations or acronyms to aid memory
• Spaced Learning: reviewing information at increasingly longer intervals to improve retention

Types of Memory

• Sensory Memory stores sensory information in the brain for a few seconds
• Short-Term Memory (STM) has limited capacity, holding information for up to 30 seconds
• Long-Term Memory (LTM) is permanent storage, retrievable at a later time

Stages of Memory Formation

• Encoding involves processing and storing information in the brain
• Consolidation transfers information from STM to LTM
• Retrieval accesses stored information from LTM

Memory Models

• Atkinson-Shiffrin Model proposes separate stores for sensory, short-term, and long-term memory
• Levels of Processing Model proposes information processing at different levels (shallow or deep) for storage

Forgetting

• Decay Theory suggests memory traces fade over time
• Interference Theory proposes new information interferes with existing information, causing forgetting
• Repression is the unconscious forgetting of traumatic or unpleasant events

Memory Improvement Techniques

• Repetition solidifies information in memory through repetition
• Chunking breaks down information into smaller, manageable chunks
• Mnemonics use associations or acronyms to aid memory
• Spaced Learning reviews information at increasingly longer intervals for improved retention