Memories

Memory seems to be a process by which we store, and retain information over a period of time. The question is how does the process for putting information into memory work? Does it work like a computer by the encoding and storage concepts and if so how does stored information get recalled, meaning how do we retrieve it? In addition to this quandary is the idea of forgetting. What is forgetting and how does it happen?

The encoding process of memory is the transformation as well as the transfer of information. This information is chosen carefully by selective attention. Therefore, when we focus on a particular set of stimuli or events the information is encoded. The information is encoded at different levels of processing, however. Take for example, when process a word, we can either look focus on the physical characters that make up the word which is called shallow processing. Secondly, we can pronounce or sound the word out, which is called phonemic processing. Thirdly, we can try to understand the meaning of the word, which is called semantic processing; it seems that encoding would vary based on the method that we used. In addition, encoding can also be enhanced by introducing visual imagery, elaborating, and making the topic or experience personal, otherwise known as relevant to you. You can also use the chunking methodology, which is organizing the material to be remembered in groups. Enhancement of encoding is also possible by grouping information to be remembered in categories and possibly into hierarchies consisting of major and minor concepts, otherwise know as the hierarchies method.

Now that we have discussed what encoding is, how to increase the amount of information that you are trying to remember. We can look at how the memories are stored. Memory is stored by means of three memory systems, they are sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Sensory memory is said to preserve incoming sensory information, in its real sensory form. In addition, it has been suggestion that the duration that information can be kept in the sensory memory is about a second or two. These bits of information are called traces. A visual trace is called an icon trace, and auditory trace is called and echo. Sensory information extends the duration of the perception of stimuli long enough that they can be recognized, encoded, and relayed to conscious awareness. When information is given our full attention, known as selective attention it then can be transferred to our short-term memory. The information that is stored in the form of sensory memory is either transferred to short-term memory or it is lost forever.
When information is lost forever, it is called fading.

Our short-term memory is just that, the duration of our short-term memory is suggested to be 30 seconds. Although some scientists believe, the maximum interval can extend to 2 minutes or so. The information that is stored in our short-term memory is said to either advance into long-term memory or decay, or disappear forever.

Our long-term memory, however, is said to be permanent. There does not seem to be a limit on the capacity of which information can be stored. In addition it is suggested that the information that is gathered and stored in the long-term has once been stored in the short-term memory, however, through the process of elaborative rehearsal we have transferred the information from the short-term to the long-term memory bank. There are many types of long term-memories, such as, procedural memories, episodic memory, and semantic memory.

Procedural memory is the retention of stimuli-response associations and patterns of procedural responses. Episodic memory is memories of life events or experiences. And semantic memory is knowledge of words, symbols, or concepts and the rules for their manipulation or usage, such as in a language. There is also a very important memory system called metamemory.