How the Human Memory Works
The structure of the human memory has continued to puzzle many researchers. There are numerous issues that investigators have been concerned with which include the following: whether there is only one storage system or a multiple one, the nature in which the processing of information take place, the varied features of the of the memory processes, the role played by an individual in the information storage process. By coming into terms with these issues will help learners and educators to create better learning environments.
We begin by evaluating the classical debate of the system of storage versus the multiple and then will proceed to the details of the multiple systems. The discussion is largely based on studies using typical verbal learning methods, reaction during the study times and the experiments on information processing using the required procedures. Then we shall consider the educational implications.
Single storage versus multiple storage systems
Many contemporary researchers assume that there are three different types of systems of storage in human being: a sensory storage or register (SR), a short term store (STM) and a long term store (LTS). The existence of the short term is a well established fact, a strong proponent of a single storage system showed that the stimuli may affect the sensory system for a short period of time.
There is however no controversy over the sensory or register, the main function of this part of the human memory is to receive stimuli of information. It notifies the memory system that there has been new information that has been received. The other parts of the human memory then act to store the information.
It is at this stage that the memory determines how it should be store and which other memory part is responsible for its storage; either stored for long time by the long term storage memory or for short period by the short term storage system. The major dispute lies in the differentiation between the short term and the long term storage systems. The dispute is whether they are two distinct systems and how they work to determine which information is to be stored where and for how long.
Short term memory
This memory allows recalling of information of for a period of seconds or minutes without having to rehearse. The capability of this memory is very limited. For example an experiment showed that the ability of a person to recall numbers was approximately seven digits. This ability could however be increased by grouping the numbers into groups of about three or four.
This may be relies mostly on a code called the acoustic code for the information storage. This refers to recalling of words that are almost similar. Some individuals however have been noted to be able to remember some large amounts of information easily and also be able to recall that information within a few moments preferably seconds.
Long term memory
The storage experienced in the sensory and the short term memories have a limited capacity and duration and this means that information is available only for a specified period of time. However the information is not retained forever. Long term memory can however store information large amounts of information for unlimited periods of time. This can at times be for the entire period the man lives.
The capacity of this memory is very large and not easy to measure. For example telephone numbers can be recalled for many years just by having to repeat them several times when they are stored in the long-term memory. Short term memory is supported by the transient pattern of neural communications which are dependent of the frontal lobe and the parietal lobe. On the other hand the long term memories are maintained by more stable and permanent changes in the neural connections widely spread throughout the brain.
Consolidation of information from the short term to long term memory is done by the hippocampus. It however does not store information by itself. In the absence if the hippocampus it is not easy to store new memories in the long term memories and the span of retention will be very short. Hippocampus can be involved for the changing of neural connections for a period of three months or more after the initial learning.
Sleep is thought to be very essential in the improvement of consolidation. Memory is said to be dependant of sufficient sleep between the training and the testing times. New memories could be solidified through rehearsal.
Levels of information processing
The depth of processing affects how an experience is stored in memory but not much of the rehearsal. There are several levels of information processing.
Organization – When information is organized in the memory it makes it easy to memorize. For example when one is given several cards to sort and group them it will not be easy to recall as many numbers you as possible if only a few categories are used. But if many categories are used individuals will recall many numbers.
Distinctiveness – if two people are presented with something and told to use any means and be able to recall after sometime, it will not be easy for those who read the information to recall but those who read it out will find is easy to call after some time.
Effort – when someone is solving the efforts put will determine the ability to recall if more effort is put it will also be easy to recall but just a little effort is put then the ability to recall will as well be little.
Elaboration – if something is more elaborated it will also be easy to recall unlike another that is not more elaborate.
Methods to optimize the rate to memorize
Memorization is a learning method that allows an individual to recall information verbally. Over the time it has been noted that it is easy for someone to recall something if there is spacing between the rehearsal periods. These contrasts cramming which only allow memorization within a short duration of time. People also tend to recall tasks which are completed as compared to those which are not completed.
Interference from previously acquired knowledge
Interference can affect the rate of memorization and information retrieval. For example leaning of new things can lead to forgetting of old information. This is called retroactive interference. Proactive interference is an interference whereby learning one piece of information will make it hard to learn another.
Memory and aging
Most adults experience memory loss disorder. This problem however is not experience in all adults. It becomes hard for individuals to recall something after some time.
Disorders of memory
Some simple memory disorders include amnesia which is characterized by memory loss. Another disorder though it is not a major one is the retrieval of word from the memory which can be called Nominal Aphasia.
Reference
Audiblox (2009) Human memory: Can short term memory and long term memory be improved? London. Audiblox International
Goldstein, E.B. (2009) Sensation and perception, USA: Wadsworth publishing
Neath, I. & Surprenant A. (2006) Human memory, USA: Wadsworth publishing
Richard, C. (2007). How the human memory works. Fit and health journal
Susan, A.C. (2005) Abducted: How people come to believe they were kidnapped by aliens: Boston: Harvard.
Tau, (2008) Research on human memory: Medical news today. Article 131967
Is this your assignment or some part of it?
We can do it for you! Click to Order!
