SUMMARY
Memory is a mental activity for recalling information that has been learned or experienced. This
involves receiving, retaining, and retrieving data and in that way it resembles the processes of a
computer. However, since humans are not exactly the same as computers and do not assemble
information or take in the information in the same way, we have to think of it in parts. The process of
memory involves 3 R’s. They are Registration (encoding), Retention (Storage) and Retrieval.
Encoding involves ‘getting information in’. The different types of encoding are semantic encoding,
acoustic encoding and visual encoding. Encoding can be automatic or effortful.
Storage means ‘retaining information’ and retrieval means ‘getting information out.’ This
occurs in four modes- recall, recognition, relearning and priming.
There are different stages of memory – sensory memory, short-term memory and long-term memory.
Sensory memory is the first level of memory and retains the brief impression of a sensory stimulus after
the stimulus itself has ended.
Sensory memory encodes information in two types – iconic and echoic. Iconic memory is the visual
sensory memory register pertaining to the visual domain. Iconic memory is described as a very brief
(<1000 ms), pre-categorical, high capacity memory store. It contributes to VSTM by providing a
coherent representation of our entire visual perception for a very brief period of time.
Echoic memory is one of the sensory memory registers; a component of short term memory (STM) that
is specific to retaining auditory information. This particular sensory store is capable of storing large
amounts of auditory information that is only retained for a short period of time (3-4 seconds). This
echoic sound resonates in the mind and is replayed for this brief amount of time shortly after the
presentation of auditory stimuli.
Short-Term Memory (STM) is the brain's ability to remember information that is actively "In Use." It is
similar to the working memory on a computer. Once items are registered and retained in STM they
move into Long-Term Memory -like putting information onto a hard drive on your computer.
Long-Term Memory (LTM) has a limitless capacity to retain information for an extended amount of
time.
Memory subsystems in long- term memory involve procedural memories, declarative
memories, semantic memories and episodic memories.