To orient a person in the world around him, there is a need for a connection between past and current images of perception. Our past experiences are constantly used in our behavior. Thus, we need memory, which can be defined as the process of remembering, storing and then reproducing information. Memory ensures the integrity of personal experience and the purposefulness of our behavior. Loss and destruction of memory as a result of illness is perceived by a person as a serious psychological trauma.

There are various types of memory:

by the nature of mental activity which accompanies memory - motor, figurative (visual, auditory, etc.), emotional and verbal-logical.

by the presence/absence of a memorization goal– voluntary and involuntary.

by storage time/stage of information processing– sensory, short-term (operative) and long-term memory.

The last classification describes computer model of memory (Broadbent, Atkinson and Shifrin). In its most general form, this model can be represented as follows:

According to this model, the transition of information from one storage facility to another can be controlled by the person himself. We control the area of ​​short-term memory to the greatest extent.

Storage sensory memory serves for the primary recording of information received from the senses. Information is in this storage up to several seconds, then it is transferred to short-term memory. Sensory visual and auditory memory are the best studied. We can say that this storage contains an exact image of the object, but has not yet been included in the focus of attention. The most important information at the moment is encoded (automatically or voluntarily) and goes into short-term memory storage. One reason for forgetting is lack of encoding.

Short-term memory serves as an intermediate storage that allows you to retain a limited (5-9 elements) amount of information, process it and use it to organize behavior.

If information is not repeated while in short-term memory, it gradually disappears from this storage.

According to some data, the storage time of unprocessed information in short-term memory does not exceed 20 seconds.

In short-term memory, information is processed based on visual, auditory and semantic codes.

In long-term memory information is stored in the form of semantic networks. This is truly long-term memory - information can be stored in it for an unlimited time (in healthy person) and in unlimited quantities. However, this does not mean that a person is able to remember anything at will. Most people, when complaining about memory, mean the inability to reproduce information. However, they pay little attention to how the memorization process occurred. Much depends on the method of encoding information, on the degree of its organization, on the emotional state, on the correctly set goal of remembering, etc.

Further, we can distinguish semantic and episodic memory (the division was proposed by Tulving). Purposeful memorization of information with the aim of transferring it into long-term memory is associated primarily with the work of semantic memory. Episodic memory is also called autobiographical memory. Both episodic and semantic memory, according to Tulving, belong to the long-term memory system. Episodic memory receives and stores information about temporally dated episodes and events, and the connections between these events (for example, meeting a person for the first time). It forms the basis for identifying events, people and places encountered in the past. Semantic memory is memory for words, concepts, rules, and abstract ideas. According to Tulving, it is a mental thesaurus that organizes a person's knowledge. Information in episodic memory is quickly lost as new information is acquired.

The actual process of reproduction involves searching for information in episodic memory. If you ask a person how to translate some word into a foreign language that he has studied, you will first have to enter these questions for reproduction as “events” in episodic memory. For example, when we memorize a series of words (the “10 words” method), semantic memory does not play a big role here. We need to store information about this task in episodic memory (encode it in a special way with episodic markers). Studies have shown that patients with memory disorders lack episodic labeling of stored information. Therefore, their voluntary reproduction is grossly impaired (after a pause exceeding the temporary reserves of short-term memory), but spontaneous reminiscences are possible - good delayed reproduction of what was initially impossible to reproduce voluntarily. It has also been shown that in patients with memory impairment, episodic memory is first impaired, and only then short-term and semantic memory.

Data from brain studies provide at least partial support for Tulving's theory. It has been shown that activation of the cerebral cortex is the basis for storing new information. However, assessing when and where new information accumulates in the cortex requires activation of a special subcortical structure—the hippocampus.

Individual characteristics of memory, as well as individual ways of its development, are associated with identifying the predominant type of memory (figurative or logical, visual or auditory, etc.) and with the correct organization of information based on it. Memory training - constant reference to it, can also have a significant impact on the ease of reproduction.

Basic memory processes are memorization, storage, recognition and reproduction.

Memorization- a process aimed at preserving received impressions in memory, a prerequisite for storage.

Preservation- the process of active processing, systematization, generalization of material, mastery of it.

Reproduction and recognition- processes of restoration of what was previously perceived. The difference between them is that recognition takes place when the object is encountered again, when it is perceived again. Reproduction occurs in the absence of an object.

Types of memory:

1. Involuntary memory (information is remembered by itself without special memorization, but in the course of performing an activity, in the course of working on information). Strongly developed in childhood, weakens in adults.

2. Arbitrary memory (information is remembered purposefully using special techniques). The efficiency of random memory depends on:

1. From memorization purposes(how firmly, for how long a person wants to remember). If the goal is to learn in order to pass an exam, then soon after the exam a lot will be forgotten, if the goal is to learn for a long time, for future professional activity, That information is rarely forgotten.

2. From learning techniques. Methods of learning are:

A) mechanical verbatim repetition- works mechanical memory, a lot of effort and time are spent, but the results are poor. Rote memory is memory based on repeating material without comprehending it;

b) logical retelling, which includes logical comprehension of the material, systematization, identification of the main logical components of information, retelling in one’s own words - logical memory (semantic) works - a type of memory based on the establishment of semantic connections in the memorized material. The efficiency of logical memory is 20 times higher, better than mechanical memory;

V) figurative devices memorization (translation of information into images, graphs, diagrams, pictures) - figurative memory works. Figurative memory It happens different types: visual, auditory, motor-motor, gustatory, tactile, olfactory, emotional;

G) mnemonic techniques memorization (special techniques to facilitate memorization).

The ability to constantly accumulate information, which is the most important feature of the psyche, is universal in nature and covers all areas And periods of mental activity and in many cases is realized automatically, almost unconsciously. As an example, we can cite a case: a completely illiterate woman fell ill and, in a feverish delirium, loudly shouted Latin and Greek sayings, the meaning of which she clearly did not understand. It turned out that as a child she served under a pastor who used to memorize quotes from ancient classics out loud. The woman involuntarily remembered them forever, which, however, she herself did not suspect before her illness.

All living beings have memory. Evidence has emerged of the ability to remember even in plants. In the very In a broad sense, memory can be defined as a mechanism for recording information acquired and used by a living organism. Human memory is, first of all, accumulation, consolidation, preservation And a person’s subsequent reproduction of his experience, i.e., everything that happened to him. Memory is a way of existence of the psyche in time, retention of the past, i.e., that which no longer exists in the present. That's why memory-a necessary condition for the unity of the human psyche, our psychological identity.

Memory structure Most psychologists recognize the existence of several levels of memory, differing in how long each level can retain information. The first level corresponds to direct or touch type memory. Its systems hold fairly accurate and complete data about how the world is perceived by our senses at the receptor level. Duration of data storage is 0.1-0.5 seconds.

Discover how our sensory memory, not difficult. Close your eyes, then open them for a moment and close them again. Observe how the clear, clear picture you see remains for some time, and then slowly disappears. This is the content of sensory memory. If the information received in this way attracts the attention of the higher parts of the brain, it will be stored for about 20 seconds (without repeating or replaying the signal while the brain processes and interprets it). This is the second level - short-term memory.

Information like the last few words of a sentence (that you just heard or read), telephone numbers, someone's last name, can be retained by short-term memory in a very limited amount: five to nine numbers, letters, or the name of five to nine objects. And only by making a conscious effort, repeating the material contained in short-term memory again and again, can it be retained for an indefinitely long time.

Consequently, short-term memory is still amenable to conscious regulation and can be controlled by a person. But the “immediate imprints” of sensory information cannot be repeated; they are stored only for tenths of a second and the psyche has no ability to extend them.

Any information first enters short-term memory, which ensures that information presented once is remembered for a short time, after which the information can be completely forgotten or transferred to long-term memory, but subject to repetition 1-2 times. Short-term memory (SM) is limited in volume; with a single presentation, an average of 7 ± 2 fits into the SM. This is the magic formula for human memory, i.e., on average, a person can remember from 5 to 9 words, figures, numbers, figures in one sitting , pictures, pieces of information. The main thing is to ensure that these “pieces” are more information-rich through grouping, combining numbers and words into a single integral “piece-image”. The volume of short-term memory is individual for each person; based on the volume of short-term memory, one can predict the success of training using the formula: OKP/2 + 1 = academic score.

Long-term memory ensures long-term storage of information. It comes in two types: 1) DP with conscious access (i.e. a person can voluntarily extract and remember the necessary information); 2) DP is closed (a person under natural conditions does not have access to it; only through hypnosis, when irritating parts of the brain, can he gain access to it and update in all details images, experiences, pictures of his whole life).

RAM- a type of memory that manifests itself V during the execution of a certain activity, serving this activity by storing information coming from both the CP and the DP necessary to perform the current activity.

Intermediate memory ensures the preservation of information for several hours, accumulates information during the day, and the time of night sleep is allocated by the body to clear intermediate memory and categorize information accumulated over the past day, transferring it to long-term memory. At the end of sleep, intermediate memory is again ready to receive new information. In a person who sleeps less than three hours a day, intermediate memory does not have time to be cleared, as a result, the performance of mental and computational operations is disrupted, attention and short-term memory decrease, and errors appear in speech and actions.

Long-term memory with conscious access is characterized by pattern of forgetting: Everything unnecessary and unimportant is forgotten, as well as a certain percentage of necessary information.

Forgetting can be complete or partial, long-term or temporary. In case of complete forgetting, the material is not only not reproduced, but also not recognized. Partial forgetting of material occurs when a person does not reproduce it all or with errors, as well as when he learns it, but cannot reproduce it. Physiologists explain temporary forgetting by inhibition of temporary nerve connections, complete forgetting by their extinction. Studies of the forgetting process have revealed an interesting feature: the most accurate and complete reproduction of complex and extensive material usually occurs not immediately after memorization, but 2-3 days later. This enhanced delayed playback is called reminiscence.

Forgetting factors Most memory problems are not related to difficulties in remembering, but rather in recall. Some data from modern science suggest that information V memory is stored indefinitely, but most of it a person (under normal conditions) cannot use. It is practically inaccessible to him, he “forgot” it, although he rightly claims that he once “knew” about it, read, heard, but... This is forgetting, temporary situational, sudden, complete or partial, selective and etc., i.e. a process leading to a loss of clarity and a reduction in the volume of information that can be updated V psyche of data. The depth of forgetting can be amazing; sometimes those who “forgot” deny the very fact of their acquaintance with what they need to remember, and do not recognize what they have repeatedly encountered.

Forgetting can be caused by various factors. The first and most obvious of them is time. It takes less than an hour to forget half of the material you learned mechanically.

To reduce forgetting it is necessary: ​​1) understanding, comprehension of information (mechanically learned, but not fully understood information is forgotten quickly and almost completely - curve 1 on the graph); 2) repetition of information (the first repetition is necessary 40 minutes after memorization, because after an hour only 50% of the information remains in memory

% of information memorized

% A 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10

1 2 3 4 5 10 15 30 60 90

Elapsed time (in days)

Rice. 3.1. Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve: A- meaningless material; b- logical processing; V- when repeating mechanically memorized information). It is necessary to repeat it more often in the first days after memorization, since on these days the losses from forgetting are maximum. It’s better this way: on the first day - 2-3 repetitions, on the second day - 1-2 repetitions, on the third to seventh days - one repetition each, then one repetition with an interval of 7-10 days. Remember that 30 repetitions over the course of a month is more effective than 100 repetitions per day. Therefore, systematic, without overload, studying, memorizing in small portions throughout the semester with periodic repetitions after 10 days is much more effective than concentrated memorization of a large amount of information in a short session, causing mental and mental overload and almost complete forgetting of information a week after the session.

Forgetting largely depends on the nature of the activity, immediately preceding memorization and occurring after it.

The negative influence of activities preceding memorization is called proactive braking. The negative influence of the activity following memorization is called retroactive inhibition it is especially pronounced in cases where, following memorization, an activity similar to it is performed or if this activity requires significant effort.

When we noted that forgetting is determined by the time elapsed after memorization, we can assume an obvious relationship: than more time finding information in the psyche, the deeper the forgetting. But the psyche is characterized by paradoxical phenomena: older people (age is a temporary characteristic) easily remember the past, but just as easily forget what they just heard. This phenomenon is called "Ribault's law", the law of memory reversal.

An important factor in forgetting is usually considered the degree of activity in the use of available information. What is forgotten is what there is no constant need or necessity. This is true most of all in relation to semantic memory for information received in adulthood.

Childhood impressions and motor skills (riding a bicycle, playing the guitar, swimming) remain fairly stable for decades, without any exercise. There is, however, a known case where a man, who had been in prison for about three years, forgot how to tie not only his tie, but also his shoelaces.

Forgetting may be due to the work of the defense mechanisms of our psyche, which displace traumatic impressions from consciousness into the subconscious, where they are then more or less securely retained. Consequently, what is “forgotten” is something that disturbs the psychological balance and causes constant negative tension (“motivated forgetting”).

Reproduction forms:

Recognition is a manifestation of memory that occurs when an object is re-perceived;

Memory, which is carried out in the absence of perception of the object;

Recall, which is the most active form of reproduction, largely depends on the clarity of the tasks assigned, on the degree of logical ordering of the memorized And information stored in the DP;

Reminiscence is a delayed reproduction of something previously perceived that seemed forgotten;

Eidetism is a visual memory that retains a vivid image with all the details of what is perceived for a long time.

Types of memory

IN According to the type of material being memorized, the following four types of memory are distinguished. Genetically primary is considered motor memory, i.e. the ability to remember and reproduce a system of motor operations (type on a typewriter, tie a tie, use tools, drive a car And etc.). Then it is formed figurative memory, i.e., the ability to save and further use the data of our perception. Depending on which analyzer took the greatest part in the formation of the image, we can talk about five subtypes of figurative memory: visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory and gustatory. The human psyche is focused primarily on visual and auditory memory, which is characterized by great differentiation (especially “memory” for faces, situations, intonations And etc.).

Almost simultaneously with the motor one, it is formed emotional memory, which is a recording of the feelings we have experienced, our own emotional states and affects. A person who was greatly frightened by a dog jumping out of the entrance will flinch for a long time as he passes by (memory of fear, shame, blind rage And etc.). The highest type of memory, inherent only to man, is considered verbal(sometimes called

Psychology of cognitive processes

verbal-logical or semantic) memory. With its help, the information base of the human intellect is formed, most mental actions are carried out (reading, counting, etc.). Semantic memory as a product of culture includes forms of thinking, methods of cognition and analysis, and basic grammatical rules of the native language.

Introduction

As Chapoutier notes, if “learning is a process that allows the accumulation of information in the nervous system,” then memory can be defined as “the totality of information acquired by the brain and controlling behavior.”

We already know how receptors and especially the reticular formation play the role of filters, highlighting at each moment in time those input signals that are recognized as important for the body. Only then does the brain “pay attention” to this important information and decide how to process and store it.

Thus, life events pass through our memory like through a sieve. Some of them linger in its cells for a long time, while others only for the time it takes to pass through these cells. Without this mechanism of selective fixation, no learning would be possible, since there would be no traces left in the brain that form the skills necessary for survival. On the other hand, if all essential information, then the nerve networks would be so overloaded that the brain, in the end, would no longer be able to separate the main from the secondary and its activity would be completely paralyzed. Therefore, memory is the ability not only to remember, but also to forget. Gamezo M.V., Domashenko I.A. Atlas of psychology: Information method. manual for the course “Human Psychology”. - M.: Pedagogical Society of Russia, 2006. - 276 p.

Types of memory

Sensory memory. Short-term and long-term memory

Most psychologists recognize the existence of three levels of memory, differing in how long each level can retain information. In accordance with this, they distinguish between immediate or sensory memory, short-term memory and long-term memory.

Sensory memory. Short-term and long-term memory. As its name suggests, sensory memory is a primitive process carried out at the receptor level. Sperling showed that traces in it are stored only for a very short time - about 1/4 of a second, and during this time the question of whether the reticular formation will attract the attention of the higher parts of the brain to the incoming signals is decided. If this does not happen, then in less than a second the traces are erased and the sensory memory is filled with new signals.

A special case of sensory memory is sequential images. They occur when the retina is exposed to a strong or prolonged stimulus.

If the information transmitted by the receptors attracts the attention of the brain, it can be stored for a short period of time, during which time the brain processes and interprets it. At the same time, the question of whether it is sufficient this information important for long-term storage. Maklakov A.G. General psychology: Textbook for universities. / Series “Textbook of the New Century” - St. Petersburg: Peter, 2007. - 583 p.

Short-term memory is characterized not only by a certain duration of information retention, but also by capacity, i.e. ability to simultaneously maintain certain number heterogeneous elements of information.

Short-term memory has been found to last for about 20 seconds; During this time, very little information is stored - for example, a number or several syllables of three or four letters.

If the information is not re-entered or “scrolled” in memory, it disappears after this period, leaving no noticeable traces. Let's imagine, for example, that we found some kind of phone number, dialed it, but the line was busy. If we do not mentally repeat this number, then after a few minutes we will have to look for it again.

Since 1885, Ebbinghaus experimented with himself to find out how much information he could simultaneously remember without any special mnemonic devices. It turned out that the memory capacity is limited to seven numbers, seven letters, or the names of seven objects. This " magic number"seven, which serves as a kind of memory measure, was tested by Miller. He showed that memory, on average, cannot store more than seven elements at a time; depending on the complexity of the elements, this number can range from 5 to 9.

If it is necessary to store information that includes more than seven elements for a short time, the brain almost unconsciously groups this information in such a way that the number of memorized elements does not exceed the maximum permissible. Thus, the bank account number 30637402710, consisting of eleven elements, will most likely be remembered as 30 63 740 27 10, i.e. as five numerical elements, or 8 words (thirty, sixty, three, seven hundred, forty, twenty, seven, ten).

Let us also note that if in such a case the mechanism of auditory memorization operates mainly, then visual memory is also possible - in particular, when it is necessary to remember some non-verbal (non-verbal) material. In mnemonic techniques, which are used for better memorization, both of these mechanisms can be used.

A good example of how short-term memory capacity can limit cognitive performance is mental arithmetic. Thus, multiplying 32 by 64 is relatively easy, but many cannot do it without a pencil and paper. Most often, such people say that they are “not good at arithmetic.” In fact, they are probably hampered by the accumulation of intermediate operations and data, which quickly overloads short-term memory.

It is from those few elements that are briefly retained in short-term memory that the brain selects what will be stored in long-term memory. Short-term memory can be compared to the shelves in a large library: books are either removed from them or put back depending on immediate needs. Long-term memory is more like an archive: in it, certain elements selected from short-term memory are divided into many categories and then stored for a more or less long time.

The capacity and duration of long-term memory are in principle unlimited. They depend on the importance of the memorized information for the subject, as well as on the method of encoding, systematizing and, finally, reproducing it. Nemov R.S. Psychology: Textbook. - M.: Higher education, 2007. - 639 p.

Memory is one of the mental processes in the human body, thanks to which information is accumulated, studied and remembered. Thanks to this concept, we can talk about the development of experience and the ability of the brain to right time recreate remembered elements.

Memory influences emotions and feelings, developing a person’s reactions to environment, forming values ​​and life position. The process can be divided into two components:

• Life experiences that reflect how the world has shaped a person.
• Personal observations and experiences.

Information can be stored in several “buffers”, depending on how it was received, what emotions and memories accompanied the person at that moment.

Types of memory

Psychologists identify several subtypes, each of which cannot exist separately, but is directly related to the others.

This complex functions brain, which scientists and doctors have been studying for many centuries. Now in the mental system there is:

Memory type	a brief description of
Sensory	Instant imprint of information and facts on the peripheral parts of the analyzers. Can be divided into iconic and echoic memory.
Short-term	A work process during which only a small part of the entire semantic flow is absorbed. In order for the volume to be large, it is necessary to train the sensory organs.
Secondary	Memory is based on personal experience and the emotions experienced. Moments associated with certain sensations are remembered. It is divided into declarative and procedural processes.
Memory for distant events	The ability to remember certain facts and events on a subconscious level. The same emotions as at the moment of remembering will help to evoke memories in the future. The process is spontaneous and is not completely controlled by a person. It can be either short-term or long-term.

Storing information is possible due to the use of different types of memorization. Thanks to analyzers on the temporal lobes of the cerebral cortex, processes of renewal and repetition of what has already been seen or heard occur.

Close connection with neurons allows not only to reproduce information, but also to transmit it. There are several mechanisms for retrieving information from memory.

Touch type

A type of memorization that is based on the influence of stimuli on the senses. Can be long-term if the irritants are strong. The process is not perceived separately from other types, because it combines the complex work of not only the cerebral cortex, but also the nervous system and the body as a whole.

A feature of the species is the ability to retain memories after the stimulation has stopped. Sensory memory is a complex process that facilitates the rapid acquisition of facts.

Between this and the short-term type of the described process there is an intermediate element - RAM. It allows you to perform an action or procedure on a mechanical level, without thinking about the details of execution. This touch type memory is associated with physical processes. As the work progresses, some elements may be forgotten. If information affects the cerebral cortex, then parts of operational memory become short-term.

There are several levels in the structure of the sensory view:

• Direct. This includes sensory memory, which consists of two additional elements.
• Short term.
• Long-term.

Regardless of what type of memory predominates in terms of perception and processing of information, it can be trained and the stock of facts can be increased. And drawing up the correct classification of the material allows you to quickly find what you need.

Iconic memorization

Types of sensory memory consist of visual and auditory memory. The first type is holistic portrait memorization and recording of information. Refers to long-term memory, since in the future images can serve as additional pointers for recreating a particular situation. The emotional background influences the iconic type.

In order to be able to accumulate new images and remember details, it is necessary to clear old emotions. Psychologists advise choosing for yourself a number of memories that cause unpleasant emotions or pity, and considering the reasons for their appearance, drawing conclusions and letting go of the situation. Along with the emotions, the images will also go away, thereby making room for new ones.

When high level development of visual sensory memory, we can talk about the effect of reverse masking. The bottom line is that the codes of the image reach the cerebral cortex in a matter of milliseconds, and then in other images the person sees the features of the previous one.

This makes it possible to increase the amount of memorized information and constantly expand the boundaries of the visual field, because on a subconscious level the brain will “think out” the situation.

Echoic type

The basis of memorization is auditory perception of information. An effective technique, especially if there are no additional distracting elements. Unlike the visual type, there is no way to compare facts with images or emotions. Voice timbre, rhythm and strength are important for memorization. The ability to reproduce what was previously heard depends on the speed of information processing.

To enhance the memorization effect, scientists recommend accompanying the auditory type with tactile sensations so that information is connected with sensations. Data recording in this case will take place through the somatosensory system.

How not to forget

Sensory memory is the ability to remember a large amount of information through reference to the senses. But in the process of studying and processing, most of the facts are forgotten.

To prevent this from happening, psychologists advise sticking to simple but effective methods:

• Repetition. It is recommended to repeat new facts three to four times over several hours. It is important to switch to other points in the process and then return to the desired source again.
• Forgetting occurs faster in the first few days than in other periods. If you connect facts with images or emotions and remember them a week later, the information will be absorbed faster.
• Repeat before forgetting begins. It is much easier to retain information in your head if you concentrate on memorization in the first weeks.
• Associations. Creating a thought stream for the required fact allows you to remember it for a long time. What kind of sensory memory is possible without visualizing imaginary images?

Performance simple actions It will give you the opportunity not only to remember more, but also to learn how to systematize the acquired knowledge. Developing short-term sensory memory is an excellent opportunity to strengthen memory processes.

Main Factors

Sometimes it’s impossible to remember what you need, a person thinks about something else and cannot concentrate on the work of the brain. Psychologists identify several elements that influence the speed and quality of memorization. Sensory memory is a close relationship between the senses and operating factors:

• Mechanical and conscious memorization. The first option provides less benefit than the second. It is necessary to think about what needs to be remembered, to focus on details.
• Comparison. The process helps you focus on a specific image and highlight features.
• Systematization. When information relates to structure or type, it is much easier to master the volume through the desired category.

Memory training, use various techniques and focusing on details will help over time not only increase the ability to memorize, but also improve the quality of reproduction.

Education and training

Working on yourself, self-improvement and development can improve your memory. The direction of a person’s mental life and his interests can indicate the level of memorization. The more hobbies, the higher the level of memorization.

Sensory memory is not an innate process. It develops and improves. Constant training, learning new languages, increasing your vocabulary and expanding your knowledge in different industries will allow you to achieve the desired effect.

Types of memory in humans

Many people believe that memory is a “dusty repository of facts.” In fact, memory is active system, which receives, stores, systematizes, changes and reproduces information. The work of human memory is in some ways similar to the work of a computer.

Incoming information is first encoded or converted into a usable form.

This step is similar to entering data into a computer. The information is then saved and retained in the system. Finally, for memories to be useful to us, they must be reproduced, or retrieved from where they were stored. If you want to remember all 9,856 new terms for the psychology exam, you have to code them well, store them, and recall them.

What are the names of these three types of human memory that we just mentioned?

Psychologists have identified three phases of memory. To be stored for a long time, information must go through all these three phases.

Sensory memory

Let's say your friend asked you to buy something from the market. How will you remember what she asked you to do? Incoming information is first entered into sensory memory, where within a few seconds or even a shorter period of time an exact copy of what we see or hear is stored. For example, look at a flower and then close your eyes. The image, or quickly fading mental image of the flower, will remain in your memory for about half a second. Likewise, information you hear is retained in sensory memory in the form of an echo for 2 seconds. In general, sensory memory stores information long enough that some of it can be transferred to a second memory system.

Short-term memory

Not everything we see or hear is stored in memory. While your friend is writing down what to buy, the radio is playing nearby. Can you remember what the announcer says? Probably not, because selective attention directed toward a selected piece of sensory data controls the information that enters short-term memory. Short-term memory stores small pieces of information for relatively short periods of time. If you listen to your friend, you will put her list of things to buy into your short-term memory

How are short-term memories encoded?

Short-term memories can be stored in the form of images. But most often they are stored phonetically, especially when recalling words and letters.

Short-term memoryacts like temporary storage small portions information. If this information has no meaning for you, then it is quickly “thrown out” of short-term memory and disappears forever. Short-term memory prevents us from remembering useless names, dates, phone numbers and other trifles. At the same time, this is an area of ​​​​working memory; it is mainly with its help that our thought processes occur. When we dial a phone number, we do calculations in our heads. remembering the list of things to buy, etc., we all rely on short-term memory.

As you may have noticed while dialing a telephone number, short-term memory is very sensitive to violations And intervention. You know how it goes: after looking at a group of numbers, you go to the phone, repeating them to yourself. You dial a number and hear a busy signal. You return a few minutes later and realize that you need to take another look at the number. This time, when you are about to call, someone asks you a question, you answer, turn to the phone and realize that you do not remember the number. Note that working memory can only handle small pieces of information. It is very difficult to perform more than one task in short-term memory at once.

Long-term memory

If short-term memory retains information for a relatively short time, is easily interrupted, and is limited in “size,” then how do we manage to retain memories for a longer period of time?

The most important and relevant information is transferred to a third memory system called long-term memory. Unlike short-term memory, long-term memory stores information that is meaningful. Long-term memory contains everything you know about the world: from the African ant to zucchini, from mathematics to myth. And at the same time, you can calmly leave the room without fear that you will forget everything. Long-term memory has an almost limitless capacity. In fact, the more you know, the easier it becomes to add new information to memory. This is not at all what we might expect if long-term memory could be “filled to capacity.” This is, in part, why a good education is so important.

Are long-term memories encoded as sounds?

It may very well be. However, as a rule, information in long-term memory is stored according to its meaning and importance, and not to its phonetic meaning. If you make an error in long-term memory, it probably correlates with meaning. For example, when you try to remember the word "barn" from a list of words that you have memorized, you might mistakenly say "garage" or "farm" but are unlikely to say "loaf."

When information is in short-term memory and linked to knowledge stored in long-term memory, it makes sense and is easier to remember.

Dual memory.

Much of our everyday memory work involves short-term and long-term memory. To understand their relationship, you can think of short-term memory as small table in front of a large warehouse with folders (long-term memory).

Before entering the warehouse, the information first hits the table. Since the table is small, it needs to be cleared quickly to make room for new information. Unimportant items are simply thrown away. Significant or important information placed in folders (long-term memory).

When we want to use knowledge from long-term memory to answer a question, the information is returned to short-term memory. In our analogy, one is taken out of a stack of folders and placed on a table where it can be used. (For computer users, another comparison will probably be closer: short-term memory is like RAM, and long-term memory is like HDD.) Now that you have a general picture of short-term and long-term memory, it's time to examine both in more detail. The following discussion will add to your understanding. But first, we have the opportunity to review what you have already learned.

The article was prepared based on materials from the book “All the Secrets of Human Behavior” by D. Kuhn for the website