Types of Memory | Short Term & Working Memory, Long Term Memory (Explicit and Implicit)

Summary

This lesson explains the concept of memory and its types, emphasizing their roles in cognition and daily life. It covers sensory memory, which briefly retains sensory information, short-term or working memory, which lasts for 20-30 seconds and has a limited capacity, and long-term memory, which includes explicit and implicit types. Explicit memory, such as facts (semantic memory) and personal experiences (episodic memory), is consciously recalled, while implicit memory, like procedural memory (muscle memory), is recalled unconsciously. The lesson also highlights memory's importance in learning, planning, and problem-solving.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Memory is the ability to retain information for processing and utilization, shaping our knowledge, understanding, and identity.
• 👀 Sensory memory is the brief initial sensory experience of the world, lasting only a fraction of a second.
• 🕒 Short-term memory lasts around 20-30 seconds and can hold 5-9 items, unless rehearsed for longer retention.
• ⚙️ Working memory is actively used for processes like problem-solving and planning, with a limited storage capacity.
• 🔑 Chunking information into groups can enhance working memory's capacity, allowing better retention of data.
• 📚 Long-term memory can store information for a long time, divided into explicit and implicit memory types.
• 🗣️ Explicit (declarative) memory is consciously recalled, including semantic (facts) and episodic (personal experiences) memory.
• 🏫 Semantic memory deals with facts and knowledge, like dates or capital cities.
• 📖 Episodic memory covers autobiographical experiences tied to emotions, like graduations or weddings.
• 🎸 Implicit (non-declarative) memory, such as procedural memory, involves skills learned through practice, like riding a bike or playing an instrument, and doesn’t require conscious recall.

Q & A

What is memory, according to the lesson?

Memory is the faculty or ability to retain information for processing and utilization, with relevant information being stored for future use. It defines who a person is and what they know based on what they remember from the past.

What are the three main types of memory discussed in the lesson?

The three main types of memory are sensory memory, short-term (or working) memory, and long-term memory. Each type plays a distinct role in processing and storing information.

What is sensory memory, and how long does it last?

Sensory memory is the brief retention of sensory information from the world, lasting only a fraction of a second. An example is seeing a continuous light trail when a light stick is moved quickly.

What is the function of short-term or working memory?

Short-term or working memory is memory that is temporarily stored and actively used for processes such as problem-solving and executive functioning. It typically lasts 20-30 seconds unless rehearsed.

What is the capacity of working memory, and how can it be extended?

Working memory has a capacity of about 5-9 items. This capacity can be extended through chunking, where information is grouped into meaningful units to make it easier to remember.

What is long-term memory, and how is information transferred to it?

Long-term memory stores information for extended periods and has a large capacity. Information is transferred to long-term memory from short-term memory through a process called consolidation, primarily involving the hippocampus.

What are the two types of explicit memory?

Explicit memory, also known as declarative memory, consists of semantic memory (facts and knowledge) and episodic memory (personal experiences with associated emotions).

How do semantic memory and episodic memory differ?

Semantic memory involves factual information (e.g., capital cities, historical dates), while episodic memory relates to autobiographical events (e.g., a graduation or wedding) and includes emotional context.

What is implicit memory, and how does it differ from explicit memory?

Implicit memory, also known as non-declarative memory, is unconsciously recalled. It includes procedural memory (e.g., muscle memory for skills like riding a bike), whereas explicit memory is consciously recalled information.

Can you give examples of procedural memory?

Examples of procedural memory include riding a bicycle, driving a car, or playing a musical instrument. These actions are performed without conscious thought after being learned.