Learn: Memory Stores

Welcome!Today we'll learn about memory stores, an important concept in the cognitive approach. We'll explore how memory is organised and functions to help us process and store information.

What are Memory Stores?Memory stores are different systems in the brain that process and store information. They include the sensory memory, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). Each store has unique characteristics like capacity, duration, and how it encodes information.

Sensory MemoryThe sensory memory is the first stage of memory. It holds information from our senses (like sight and sound) for a very short time—just a few seconds. Its purpose is to filter what we pay attention to.

Short-Term Memory (STM)The short-term memory temporarily holds information we are actively thinking about. Its capacity is limited to about 7 items, and it lasts up to 30 seconds unless rehearsed. For example, remembering a phone number long enough to dial it uses STM.

Long-Term Memory (LTM)The long-term memory stores information over a long period, sometimes a lifetime. It has a large capacity and uses semantic encoding (storing the meaning of information) to organise memories. Examples include remembering your first day at school or the names of family members.

Encoding, Capacity, and DurationEach memory store differs in encoding (how information is processed), capacity (how much it can hold), and duration (how long it stores information). For instance, STM uses primarily acoustic encoding, while LTM relies on semantic encoding.

How We RememberWe remember using two main processes: recognition (identifying something seen before) and recall (retrieving information without prompts). For example, recognising a friend's name in a list is recognition, while naming them from memory is recall.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about sensory memory, short-term memory, long-term memory, and how they encode, store, and retrieve information. Let's test your knowledge with a few review questions!