There are several different types of memories all contributing to the way these moments and experiences are stored and recalled. As our brain utilize these specific memories, the pathways with our brains strengthen, making storing memories easier to remember at different times.
SENSORY MEMORY: These stem from the basic first moments of an interaction. Involving the Five Senses, these memories can only last a fleeting few seconds before they are tossed into oblivion. Taste, smell, sight, taste and touch give a glimpse of what is immediately in our presence.
Short-Term Memory: This very brief type of memory only lasts a few seconds, but can increase in duration with repetition or giving context to details that makes the moment easier to recall.
Long-Term Memory: This type of memory refers to the ability to hold on to and retrieve experiences, conversations and senses for extended periods of time. The durations could be from a few hours ago to several years ago. The time for retention is unlimited and not restricted to any amount of information.
The Importance of Memory in Learning: As short term memories are stored in the hippocampus, a recent study indicates that short-term and long-term memories are stored near the same time, but the longer counterpart lies ‘dormant’ for a couple of week. ( Trafton , 2017). These ideas may change our previous understanding of how memory consolidation occurs. When memories form, the physical structure of the brain begins to change. as neurons make new connections and synapses, long-term memories take root. As we create these new connections and highways our brains get stronger and more flexible. This learning process and memory formation increases the longer we are exposed to a stimulating environment. (Straube, 2012)
References:
Ackerman, S. (1992, January 1). Learning, recalling, and thinking. Discovering the Brain. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234153/
Trafton , A. (2017, April 6). Neuroscientists identify brain circuit necessary for memory formation. MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology. https://news.mit.edu/2017/neuroscientists-identify-brain-circuit-necessary-memory-formation-0406
Straube, B. (2012, July 24). An overview of the neuro-cognitive processes involved in the encoding, consolidation, and retrieval of true and false memories – behavioral and brain functions. BioMed Central. https://behavioralandbrainfunctions.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1744-9081-8-35
Memory and Transfer Professional Resource 
Leave a comment