An Overview of Memory Processes and Models (Coursework Sample)

An Overview of Memory Processes and Models Student Name Institutional Affiliation Instructor’s Name Course Name Date Discussion Memory is a fundamental cognitive function that allows us to acquire, store, retain, and retrieve information, shaping our ability to learn, make decisions, and navigate our daily lives. Understanding how memory works involves examining its processes, the stage model of memory, memory organization, and the information processing approach. Processes of Memory: Encoding, Storage, and Retrieval Memory involves encoding, storage, and retrieval. Sensory information is encoded into neural codes to store sensory data in memory. Hearing a new word encodes its sound and meaning. Post-encoding information is maintained in sensory memory, short-term memory for cognitive activities, and long-term memory for longer retention. In the final process, retrieval, we consciously access and recreate stored information to recall facts, experiences, and skills (Chapter 6). Associative or contextual clues help us find and access memories, allowing us to traverse memory complexity. The Stage Model of Memory The 1968 stage model of memory by Atkinson and Shiffrin provides a foundation for understanding human memory. This approach divides memory into three stages. First, sensory memory temporarily stores sensory information before it fades or continues processing. Sensory memory captures our sensory impressions in a moment—second, short-term memory (STM) stores and processes information (Chapter 6). STM can only hold seven items for 20–30 seconds unless practiced. It is crucial for quick cognitive processing tasks like mental computations and following a discussion. Finally, long-term memory (LTM) stores massive amounts of information for minutes to a lifetime. Important or well-rehearsed information is moved from STM to LTM for cognitive tasks. This paradigm explains information processing and storage in the human memory system. Memory Organization and Information Processing The memory structure is essential for information retrieval and application. By highlighting memory associations, the semantic network model illuminates this arrangem...