Human Memory

Topic: human memory -based on a lecture.
Date: December 13th, 2012
Citations and references included.

Neuropsychology is the study of the structure and function of the brain as it relates to specific psychological processes and behaviors. Human memory is a big study topic, as it is an important mental process by which information is encoded, stored, and retrieved. Memory can be divided into three major categories which are sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. (Wikipedia)

To begin with, “sensory memory corresponds approximately to the initial 200–500 milliseconds after an item is perceived.” Sensory memory is often divided into iconic memory (visual input), and echoic memory (sound input). It is not often discussed in terms of somatic sensations, but the immediate perception is considered sensory memory. Specifically, sensory memory refers to memory of sensory input for the first second or two; anything longer is either short-term memory or long-term memory. (Classification by duration, psychology wiki) (Samuraitum, 2007)

Short-term memory allows recall for a short period of time with a limited capacity. The duration of short-term memory is believed to be in the order of seconds to a maximum of a minute or two. The nature of the material to be recalled varies, which makes it very difficult to demonstrate the exact capacity of short-term memory, but there are theories that state that the capacity of short-term memory is typically of the order of four to five items. For example, the beginning of a sentence needs to be help in mind while the rest is read in order to understand it. (Short-term memory, human-memory.net)

 To add on, long-term memory can store much larger amounts of information for possibly unlimited duration and its capacity is immeasurably large. Long-term memory is typically divided up into two major categories: declarative memory and implicit memory. Memories that can be consciously recalled such as facts and knowledge are declarative memory, which can also be divided into categories. Implicit memory is considered non-declarative memory or unconscious memory which includes priming and non-associative learning. Examples of long-term memory are: how to ride a bicycle, or remembering an old friend’s face after a long time. (Classification by duration, psychology wiki) (Classification by duration, psychology wiki)

In conclusion, sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory are the three major categories when dividing the brain functions. They can be affected positively by conscious actions by the brain such as chunking or repetition, or negatively by some memory disorders such as Alzheimer or amnesia. (Disorders, psychology wiki)

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuropsychology

http://psychology.wikia.com/wiki/Introduction_to_memory

http://www.essayforum.com/writing-feedback-3/memories-defining-essay-1168/

http://www.human-memory.net/types_short.html