Unit 7A Memory
What is Memory?
Memory refers to the ability of the brain to encode, store, and retrieve information over time. It is the process by which information is acquired, processed, and used to guide behavior and cognition. Memory is crucial for various cognitive tasks, such as learning, reasoning, and decision-making.
There are several types of memory, including sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Sensory memory refers to the brief retention of sensory information, such as the visual or auditory stimuli we encounter in our environment. Short-term memory, also known as working memory, refers to the temporary storage and manipulation of information needed for immediate tasks, such as remembering a phone number or a grocery list. Long-term memory, on the other hand, refers to the storage of information over a longer period, which can range from minutes to years or even a lifetime.
Memory formation involves various processes, including encoding, consolidation, and retrieval. Encoding refers to the process of transforming sensory information into a form that can be stored in the brain. Consolidation involves the stabilization of memory traces, which are the neural representations of information stored in the brain. Retrieval refers to the process of accessing stored information when needed.
How does Memory Work?
There are several types of memory that work together to allow humans and animals to encode, store, and retrieve information. These include sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.
- Sensory memory: Sensory memory is the initial stage of memory that holds sensory information for a very brief time, typically less than a second. Sensory memory allows us to retain information from our senses long enough to process it, such as the sight of a beautiful sunset or the sound of a passing car. Sensory memory is divided into different types, including iconic memory for visual information and echoic memory for auditory information.
- Short-term memory: Short-term memory, also known as working memory, is a system that temporarily holds and manipulates information in order to carry out cognitive tasks. Short-term memory is limited in capacity and duration, typically lasting for only a few seconds to a minute. This type of memory allows us to retain information long enough to perform mental calculations, follow directions, or remember a phone number.
- Long-term memory: Long-term memory is the type of memory that stores information over an extended period of time, ranging from minutes to years or even a lifetime. Long-term memory can be further divided into two categories:
- Explicit memory: This type of memory is consciously accessed and involves the deliberate retrieval of information that has been previously learned. Explicit memory is divided into two subtypes:
- Episodic memory: This type of memory involves the recall of specific events or episodes that have occurred in the past, such as a vacation or a birthday party.
- Semantic memory: This type of memory involves the recall of general knowledge and facts, such as the name of the capital of France or the colors of the rainbow.
- Implicit memory: This type of memory is not consciously accessed and involves the retrieval of information that has been previously learned without awareness or intention. Examples of implicit memory include procedural memory, which is the memory of how to perform motor skills, such as riding a bike or typing on a keyboard, and priming, which is the unconscious activation of related information by a stimulus.
Overall, the different types of memory work together to allow humans and animals to retain and use information over time.
Watch these videos to help learn material for Unit 6 and to study for the AP Exam.
Watch videos in order from left to right starting at the top left.
Time Needed to Watch ALL Videos |
48 Minutes 20 Seconds |
(9:54) |
(10:17) |
(16:16) |
(11:52) |
