Chapter 7. Memory

Memory is the process by which we recollect prior experiences, information and skills learn in the past. There are three kinds of memory: episodic memory, semantic memory and implicit memory. There are also three processes of memory:encoding, storage and retrieval. Memory has three stages: sensory memory, short-term memory and long-term memory.

Episodic memory is a memory of a specific event. Some examples of episodic memory are the dinner you had last night and your last quiz. Sometimes memories are so important to us that we make them flashbulb memories, that is like if we took pictures in our head. Semantic memory is general knowledge people remember. For example we remember that Mel Zelaya was president before Pepe Lobo. Episodic and semantic memories are bot examples of explicit memory. Memories that are explicit are clear, or clearly stated or explained. Implicit memory are things that are implied or not clearly stated. This consists of the skills or procedures we have learned. For example throwing a ball, riding a bicycle, skipping rope or swimming.

Encoding is the first process of memory. This is the translation of information and a form in which it can be stored. Visual codes make images in our minds. Acoustic codes find the sense of things. Storage is the second process of memory, and it is the maintanence of encoded information over a period of time. Maintenance rehearsal is repeating information over and over again. Elaborative rehearsal are things we already know and organized systems are stored memories becoming organized. Retrieval is locationg stored information and returning it to conscious thoughts. Context-depending memories are memories that come back, and state-dependent memories is remembering every detail.

Sensory memory is the first stage of memory. It consists of the immediate, initial recording of information that enters through our senses. Short-term memory or algo known as working memory. Long-term memory is the third and final stage of memory. We can learn using schemas that are mental representations that we form of the world organizing bits of information into our knowledge.

We have many basic memory tasks. Recognition is one which involves identifying objects or events that have been encountered before. Recall is the second memory task which is to bring something back into your mind. And relearning is to learn things we were taught in the past again.

Memory is a very detailed process. Sometimes we think is just learning and remembering. But it takes more than just that. We use memory in every second of our lifes and we must understand how it works.