What is Memory?

I was in class the other day when my Chemistry teacher gave us a quick blurb over the difference between short and long term memory, and our working memory. I was searching for a topic to write about, and this was perfect timing! In this blog, we’ll go over what memory is, the types of memory, memory loss, and how to improve your memory.

I was in class the other day when my Chemistry teacher gave us a quick blurb over the difference between short and long term memory, and our working memory. I was searching for a topic to write about, and this was perfect timing! In this blog, we’ll go over what memory is, the types of memory, memory loss, and how to improve your memory.

What is Memory?

Memory is the way we acquire, store, retain, and retrieve information (1). There are 3 major processes in this: encoding, storage, and retrieval (1). Memory is the information that comes to mind whenever we think of something, and sometimes, memories can come to mind without conscious effort (2). The topic of memory has been highly studied as it’s categorized under cognitive psychology (1).

Our memories are formed through the process called encoding (1). It must then be stored, and later retrieved for us to bring these memories into our consciousness (1). Our memories are processed in the cerebellum, encoded in the hippocampus, and stored in the amygdala (3). The amygdala not only stores memories, it decides where to store them depending on our emotional attachment to the specific memory (3).

When it comes to how long memory can last, it really depends. Some memories are extremely brief and only last a few seconds (1). Short term memories usually last around 20-30 seconds, while long term memories can last days, weeks, months, years, and so on (1).

Quick side note: Have you ever felt like you knew the answer to something but just couldn’t quite put your finger on it? I certainly have, and it annoys me every single time. This is actually a memory retrieval problem called the lethologica or tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon (1). Check out this article if you’re interested in learning more about it.

Now, moving on to the different types of memory. There are many different types of memory such as episodic memory, semantic memory, procedural memory, working memory, sensory memory, and prospective memory (2). That’s a lot of memory types, but this blog will only be going over working memory and short and long term memory. If you would like to learn about the rest more in-depth, check this article out.

So, what’s the difference between short term and long term memory? How does it work?

Short term memory is your active memory, the things you’re currently thinking about (1). This is often referred to as your conscious mind, but it’s also quickly forgotten (1). Long term memory is your unconscious mind and is used for continuous storage of information (1). When needed, we can recall these memories and bring them into our active memory.

Short term memory is very brief, and can only hold up to 7 items at a time (4). Information can be lost quickly if not continuously repeated and ingrained into our minds. Short term memory can also be called the “working memory”, but they actually have different processes. Our working memory stores, organizes, and manipulates information, while our short term memory can only store information (4).

Now that you know the differences, let’s talk about memory loss. We all forget things, some more than others. That’s completely normal. So, why is that? Why do we forget things easily, and how does it happen?

There are 4 main reasons as to why this happens: Failure to store, Interference, Motivated forgetting, and Retrieval failure (1). And of course, time plays a big part in this too. The longer time passes, the more you tend to forget about the old things. Memory loss simply happens because it was never stored correctly in the first place, and believe it or not, it may even occur because we choose to forget it (1).

In severe cases however, memory loss can be a result of dementia (Alzhiemer’s disease), or severe brain injury. Memory loss can also be linked to underlying mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, which is why mental health is extremely important and we need to be taking care of ourselves well.

With that said, here are some tips to help with memory:

• Write it down: Putting it down on paper is said to help information stay in your memory better. Use a planner or a calendar when it comes to scheduling. You could also always use your phone. Whatever the case, put it down somewhere.

• Attach meaning to it: If you associate the information with something important to you, it usually becomes easier to remember it.

• Repeat it: Of course, this is a no brainer. The more you repeat something, the better you’ll remember it. Repetition is key.

(1)

Remember that memory is a tricky thing, and researchers are still trying to better understand it. Learn to understand yourself, and be patient with yourself. Know your strengths and weaknesses and how you best learn, or how you best retain information. Last but not least, remember to look after yourself!

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Works Cited

(1)Cherry, Kendra. "What Is Memory?" Verywell Mind, Dotdash, 15 May 2020,

www.verywellmind.com/what-is-memory-2795006. Accessed 23 Jan. 2021.

(2)"What Is Memory?" Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, www.psychologytoday.com/

us/basics/memory. Accessed 23 Jan. 2021.

(3)"Parts of the Brain Involved with Memory." Lumen Learning, Pressbooks,

courses.lumenlearning.com/wsu-sandbox/chapter/

parts-of-the-brain-involved-with-memory/. Accessed 23 Jan. 2021.

(4)Cherry, Kendra. "Short-Term Memory Duration and Capacity." Verywell Mind,

Dotdash, 15 May 2020, www.verywellmind.com/

what-is-short-term-memory-2795348. Accessed 23 Jan. 2021.