Memory - Lumen Learning Notes

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Process and Types of Memory

The three main stages of memory are encoding, storage, and retrieval. Problems can occur at any of these stages. The three main forms of memory storage are sensory memory, short-term memory and long-term memory. Sensory memory is not consciously controlled; it allows individuals to retain impressions of sensory information after the original stimulus has ceased. Short-term memory lasts for a very brief time and can only hole 7 +/- 2 pieces of information at once. Long-term memory can hold an indefinitely large amount of information and can last for a very long time. Implicit and explicit memories are two different types of long-term memory. implicit memories are of sensory and automatised behaviours, and explicit memories are of information, episodes, or events.

The Memory Process

encoding (or registration): the process of receiving, processing, and combining information. Encoding allows information from the outside world to reach our senses in the forms of chemical and physical stimuli. In this first stage we must change the information so that we may put the memory into the encoding process.