Question

What is the structure of memory and the capacity and duration of each part?

Sensory memory

Short-termmemory(STM)

Long-term memory(LTM)

Answer 1

Memory refers to the cognitive process in which information is encoded, stored and retrieved. The basic function of memory is to process information that it encounters. There are three ways of information processing:

1. Sensory memory: As soon as we encounter with a new piece of information, it goes to our sensory memory. Here, information stays for a split second only. It is basically when we look at something as a passing look, and remember it for a split second, it forms a part of our sensory memory.

George Sperling, the person who laid the foundation of this memory said that the sensory memory can hold upto 12 items which fades very easily, unless it's repeated. There are three forms of sensory memory:

a) Iconic memory: Visual information

b) Echoic memory: Auditory

c) Haptic memory: Tactile

2) Short Term Memory: This is the memory that lasts for a few seconds to a minute. When sensory memory is rehearsed, it goes to STM. It is also called as working memory. George Miller, found that the STM stores 72 items in it. Certain methods could be used in order to increase this memory capacity, such as, Chunking, First Letter Technique, Make a Story, etc.

3) Long Term Memory: Here, memory is retained for a larger span of time and could be for the entire life of a person. The capacity of the LTM is unlimited. Information gets stored in the LTM through repeated rehearsals at the STM.