The Memory Process

THE MEMORY PROCESS Memory is a procedure through which the outcomes of knowledge are kept for impending usage. Hermann Ebbinghaus (1885) determined that considerable amount of what we learn is erase from our minds in a short length of time after it is learned, when it is learned through the use of sequential learning. Another method of learning is known as paired-associate learning, wherein the material learned must be repeated in the order in which it was given, also known as memorization. In addition, there is free recall which is a process in which knowledge that has been acquired may be restated in any sequence. (Ebbinghaus, 1885). Memory has been compared to a computer in that it also has three stages: encoding, storage and retrieval. (M.U.S.E.) Likewise, there are three types of memory: sensory memory, short term memory and long term memory. Sensory memory is a quickly fleeting memory for a great assortment of stimuli. Short term memory is restricted in volume, but is prolonged and long term memories are prolonged and are in due course moved to other long-lasting storage. Encoding occurs in all three memory stages, wherein retrieval only occurs in short term memory. There are a number of principles that may improve an individual’s memories. One could add to the number of study periods and spread those periods among time. Also, mnemonics is available. This entails a number of unusual methods for improving memory. The hippocampus plays an important part in memory; it is in control of relocating memories from short term to long term memory. If one has had a particular situation in the past they had to solve, they often rely on long term memory to retrieve that past solution. The first storage system for memory is known as sensory memory and it is the administering of short-lived sensations perceived through one of the five senses. Sensory memory is momentary when a stimulus is eliminated hastily; sensory feedback generates solid indicators for memory recollection. Short term memory lies between the short-lived sensory memory and the massive long term memory and is also identified as functioning memory. Short term memories are also passing. It momentarily retains data that exists in present consciousness. Information lasts approximately 15 to 20 seconds if it is not moved to long term memory. Capacity, along with duration is limited in short term memory. During practice and reiteration of information, the data is transferred to long term memory. For example, a phone number that is repeated over and over will move from short term memory to long term memory. This is known as elaborative rehearsal. (Editorial Board, 2011). Generally related with the manner of neglecting to recover stored memories is forgetting. This can happen in both the short term memory and the long term memory for dissimilar and various reasons. The loss of memory in these two memory types differ in that data is misplaced from short term memory rapidly. Interference and decay are the two main reasons for the loss of memory in short term memory. As in the telephone number example mentioned above, retroactive interference happens when new data hinders with one’s capacity to keep previous material. In the opposite, proactive interference stops new material from entering. For example, when taking college finals, one attempts to remember data from all their classes. If they take an English exam first, then a math exam next, while taking the math exam, English principles keep popping up in their mind, making it difficult to remember to the math qualities learned. Therefore, the English is interfering with the ability to remember the math skills. Another form of forgetting is amnesia. If someone were in an accident and upon waking in a hospital cannot remember who they are or any events from their life, this known as amnesia. It is inability to remember things that were stored previously due to a blow to head resulting in some damage to the brain. It is not known if the information is still stored and unable to be retrieved or if it is simply gone. The memories may come back with time as the brain is healed or with the aid of pictures, familiar faces or places. REFERENCES
Ebbinghaus, H. (1885). Memory: A contribution to experimental psychology. Retrieved from November 24, 2008, from the Classics in the History of Psychology Web site: http://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Ebbinghaus/index.htm
M.U.S.E. (My Unique Student Experience). https://class.aiuniv.edu/_layouts?MUSEViewer.aspx?mid=MU
Editorial Board (2011). Introduction to Psychology. Schaumberg, IL: Words of Wisdom.

References: Ebbinghaus, H. (1885). Memory: A contribution to experimental psychology. Retrieved from November 24, 2008, from the Classics in the History of Psychology Web site: http://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Ebbinghaus/index.htm M.U.S.E. (My Unique Student Experience). https://class.aiuniv.edu/_layouts?MUSEViewer.aspx?mid=MU Editorial Board (2011). Introduction to Psychology. Schaumberg, IL: Words of Wisdom.