Most scientists believe there are four main types of memory that come in different forms. The theory came about to help them understand more fully the spectrum of the human memory.
The function of memory in the human body is an integration of the entire body’s nervous system being used to protect itself from harm and to create intelligence. It does that by incorporating neuronal activity to develop a reminder or recall network that it uses time after time to learn new skills and ensure survival.
The recall network is the circuitry that wires memories into temporary to permanent types.
Research also points to memory as being displayed more in stages than in distinct types.
Researchers classify memory into these four main groups:
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sensory memory
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short-term memory
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long-term memory
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working memory
The way most scientists see the brain working to form a memory is from first, a sensory memory to short-term to long-term memory.
The differences being that they don’t all take that route. For instance, a memory that is only used for a second or more like, typing on the keyboard to come up with a word choice for let’s say this article. Only takes a second or two but, this type of working memory will never transition into a short-term memory because it doesn’t involve any recall.
These type of brief specific memories would be put into other specific categories.
Sensory Memory Type
This type of memory is where all memories begin to process. Sensory memories retain information for very brief periods of time, 1 -2 seconds. This action within the brain does not require the person to have to pay attention to the information. Otherwise, it would transition into a short -term memory action and later on become a long-term memory.
Sensory memories are very short term and irrelevant information to be used up and forgotten quickly and easily.
Examples of sensory memories can be:
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a quick glance of acknowledgement to a stranger you may look at
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random sounds or objects you may see driving to work
Sensory memories are memory types that are used to piece together and unify your full experience in real time of the world you are living in and surrounded by.
Short-Term Memory Type
Short-term memories are a type of memory that will hold on to information for a brief period of time. Usually, to complete a task needed at the moment like:
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Taking down a phone number while hearing it
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remembering measurements before you cut a board
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repeating a word or number sequence you just heard
Short-term memories will fade after 30 seconds or so. The storage used for the information is short lived because the mind doesn’t feel the need to hold on to them.
Long-Term Memory Type
Long-term memories are memory types that the brain holds information on for longer than 30 seconds.
Long-term memory is divided into two sub-categories: Explicit and Implicit.
Explicit long-term memory are conscious memories people learn over time like facts, events and many other information about a person or an experience had on you.
Types of explicit long-term memory are:
Episodic memory is a classification of memory that comes from a recall from facts and events a person has lived through. For instance: childhood events and places you visited, schools you attended, the old car you once owned.
Semantic memory is the type of long-term memory which is derived from information you studied and learned throughout your life. Not necessarily from experience or an episodic memory. In other words, general knowledge of the world like: knowing what something looks like from a book or movie having never personally experienced it.
Implicit long-term memory
These type memories are unconscious and become automatic over many years and serve to influence a persons behavior.
Types of implicit long-term memory include:
Procedural memory are used to help a person recall how to drive a car, write your name, run or walk and complete any familiar daily tasks.
Over time these memories will become engrained and automatic skills.
Priming
Priming is a form of operant conditioning to encourage certain favorable behaviors to occur from experiences in the past. An example could be trying to change a bad habit by using a trigger to reinforce the good behavior.
Working Memory Type
This type of memory overlaps with short-term memory. Working memory differs from short-term memory in how a person can manipulate the details of short-term information for use to complete tasks.
Examples of working memory could be:
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remembering facts, figures or information for a speech or presentation
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remembering sizes and dimensions for a construction project
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remembering numbers or formulas for a science or math problem
Memory Capacity
Both working memories and short-term memories have a limited capacity to store information. Our brains are physical objects that need to be trained and stimulated in order to increase it’s ability to adapt and grow.
It is normal for our brains to lose details of stored information as we age. The way the brain stores information is not like taking a photograph. Mistakes can be made in the recall process. But with practice memories can be improved making them more reliable.
But at least in theory, long-term memory can be without limits.
There are all qualities of memories from good to poor in retention. Some people can develop a better memory from practicing to recall numbers, words or information.
Other people are born with very good memory skills like, hyperthymesia, which is a rare condition of having autobiographical memory abilities.
Still others believe they possess a photographic memory. Although there is no scientific evidence that it exists. They can hold onto more detailed descriptions of past events with a higher than normal ability.
Memory Improvement
All stages or forms of memory, sensory, working, short-term and long-term can be improved with practice.
Most common techniques for improving memory include:
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crossword puzzles and other brain and word games and challenges
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promoting brain health with cardio exercises to increase oxygen intake levels
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using mnemonic devices to improve memory skills. Associating names, colors to remember objects or other new information.
Memory is a complex and diverse action that takes place within many systems of the body. All forms of memories include the integration of the nervous, sensory, emotional network throughout the entire brain and body. Memory can be improved by reading, the use of puzzles and mind games as well as with diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. Memory loss is a normal result of ageing and can be improved upon at any age by implementing the suggestions included above.
-A Balanced Brain is a Smarter Brain-