Memory is the ability of organisms to store, retain and recall information and experiences. It enables us to learn and remember new information, as well as recalling previously learned information. Memory is essential for our survival; without it, we would be unable to remember how to perform basic tasks such as eating or dressing ourselves.
There are three main types of memory: sensory memory, short-term memory and long-term memory. Sensory memory is a brief (approximately three seconds) record of what we have just seen, heard or felt. Short-term memory allows us to hold onto information for a little longer – around 30 seconds – before it fades away unless we make an effort to keep hold of it by “rehearsing” it ( repeating it over and over in our heads). Long-term memory is where we can store memories for years, decades or even a lifetime.
Most memories are stored in long-term memory. How they are stored depends on the type of information being remembered. For example, procedural memories – which enable us to carry out skilled actions like riding a bike or tying our shoelaces – are usually stored in the motor cortex at the back of the brain. On the other hand, declarative memories – which include factual knowledge about people and events (episodic memories) or general knowledge about the world (semantic memories) – are thought to be stored primarily in the hippocampus located deep within the brain’s temporal lobes.
There are two main theories that try to explain how long-term memories are formed and retrieved: The first theory is known as “trace decay theory” proposed by psychologist Richard Atkinson in 1968 , according to this theory , when a memory trace is created , it will gradually fade away unless it is rehearsed . The second theory is called “encoding specificity principle” put forward by Endel Tulving in 1972 , this theory states that retrieval of a particularmemory will only occur if specific cues present during encoding also present during retrieval . In other words , you can only retrieve a memory if you have some sort of reminder (or cue) that matches up with what was originally encoded . For example , if you meet someone at a party who tells you their name is Joe but you don’t really pay attention then later on when trying remember his name all you have to go on is “Joe” which isn’t enough for successful retrieval because there could be lots Joes . However , if he also told you he was from New York then this would give you another cue (New York )to help jog your memory so now when trying remember his name your better chance because now there’s only one Joe from New York . Another important factor that affects retrieval success is how well organized information is at time of encoding ; If related itemsare close together physically or temporally then they’re more likely be remembered than items that aren’t associated with each other . This explains why using mnemonic devices can improve chances remembering something because organization aids retrieval . A mnemonic device any learning technique helps improvememory performance either by increasing capacity/stabilityof storage or efficiency encoding/retrieval process . One common type mnemonic device use acronyms like Roy G Biv order colors rainbow(Red, Orange Yellow Green Blue Indigo Violet); another type substitutes number codes digits easily remembered wordswhen trying recall series unrelated items i.e 10 green bottles hanging wall …