Types of Memory
Memory is categorized into three primary types: Short-Term Memory or Temporary Memory, long-Term Memory, and Working memory.
| Types of Memory | |
| Short-Term Memory | Holds informations before it is either forgotten or translated to Long-Term Memory |
| Long-Term Memory | Stores information for long period of time, allowing us to recall past experiences. |
| Working Memory | Uses both to process and manipulate the information |
Short-Term Memory (Temporary memory)
Short-Term or Temporary memory is a temporary storage system that stores a small amount of data for a short time, usually few seconds. It enables people to remember and process information required for current activities, but it does not save it permanently (The Positive Impact of Caffeine on Short Term Memory, n.d.).
Capacity: Short-term memory can hold around 7 ± 2 items simultaneously. Newer research, however, suggests that unless chunking or other strategies are utilized to improve it, this capacity may be considerably more confined, nearing four.
Duration: Unless actively trained, knowledge in short-term memory typically lasts 15 to 30 seconds. Without practice, it quickly deteriorates or becomes interfered with.
Function: Information necessary for immediate use may be swiftly recovered from short-term memory, which serves as a temporary storing mechanism. It is necessary for daily tasks such as following directions, conversing, and performing basic math.
Examples:
- Memorizing a grocery list immediately before going to the supermarket.
- Keeping a phone number in mind when dialing.
- Remembering a sentence long enough to record it.
Long-Term Memory
Information can be stored in long-term memory for hours or perhaps a lifetime. It is further divided into two categories: declarative (explicit) memory and non-declarative (implicit) memory. While implicit memory comprises skills and conditioned reactions, explicit memory consists of episodic (personal experiences) and semantic (factual information) memories (Alexandrov & Fedoseev,2012).
Capacity: People may store vast amounts of information throughout their lifetimes due to the long-term memory's tremendous, nearly infinite capacity.
Duration: Information may be stored in long-term memory for years or even a lifetime. Nevertheless, the level of encoding and the frequency of recall might alter retrieval.
Function: Long-term memory retains knowledge, skills, and experiences. It encourages decision-making, learning, and self-identification.
Examples:
- Remembering childhood memories.
- Riding a bike or a car.
- Recalling past events or historical facts.
Working Memory
Information manipulation and temporary storage are handled by working memory. It is essential for understanding, solving problems, and making decisions. According to Baddeley (2000), working memory is made up of four parts: the episodic buffer, loop, central executive, and visuospatial sketchpad.
Capacity: Working memory, like short-term memory, has limited capacity yet is required for complex cognitive functions.
Duration: Updates periodically as duties are finished, but just for a few seconds.
Function: Stores and manipulates data in real time to help in mental calculation, reasoning, and comprehension.
Examples:
- Mentally solving mathematical puzzles.
- Following directions with many stages.
- Speaking with someone while prepared to respond.