How Memory Works

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The above is a very simple model of how human beings remember information.  Initially, we gather sensory information (SI) through our senses (i.e. sounds, images, touch).  Each person either ignores or recognizes sensory information.  Information that is sensed, yet ignored, does not remain in memory and is quickly forgotten.  Recognized sensory information is processed and may be stored into short-term memory (STM).  Depending on its significance, information either temporarily stays in a sensory information store, or is transferred to short-term memory.

 

 Short-term memory has a limited capacity to store information.  Generally speaking, an item encoded into short-term memory will be lost in a matter of 15 to 30 seconds.  The only way to increase the amount of time information is stored in short-term memory is through repeating or rehearsing information.  This is primarily done, to allow time for information to be encoded into long-term memory (LTM).

 

 Long-term memory can store large amounts of information for long periods of time.  In addition to mass of information, long-term memory can also retain a great variety of knowledge ranging from facts and concepts, to spatial images and models.  Many prefer encoding information into long-term memory, because it is longer lasting and easier to retrieve.

Memory Guidebook