Research Paper About Human Memories And Their Functions (Essay Sample)

Memories
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Memories
Memory refers to a process in which messages and information are encoded and stored in the brain. Encoding of information allows interaction between the outside world and the inner body. Normally, the body retrieves stored information in form of physical and chemical stimuli. Hence, psychologists believe that memory creates one's personality. According to Freud (1922), memory is lasting, and events cannot be permanently forgotten. He further postulated that humans automatically repress and suppress some memories linked to high levels of stress and trauma. Over the recent years, the issue has raised several concerns amongst critics. Many people agree with Freud's assumptions, I included. For instance, my old photograph pictures from high school elicit certain forgotten memories from my early life. Ultimately, this leads to the conclusion that memory is permanent and unalterable, and it determines one's individuality.
Considering the aforementioned theory, it is worth mentioning that the mind is categorized into three factions. They include unconscious mind, conscious mind, and preconscious mind (Freud, 1992). It is appropriate to contend that the three faculties determine an individual's personality. Thus, it is vital to consider each subdivision independently.
The conscious part of the mind encompasses all that humans know. As a matter of facts, it controls all the voluntary actions, for instance, talking. The faction helps humans to run their daily chores. Moreover, the part plays a greater role in determining individual's character (Freud, 1922). As opposed to conscious mind, the preconscious section is not always part of consciousness. It stores notions that are less volatile in nature. Nonetheless, humans recall the memories stored in the preconscious mind with ease because the conscious mind can access information stored in this section easily (Freud, 1922).
The unconscious part of the brain acts as memory reservoir. It harbors thoughts, notions, and feelings. However, it is important to mention that the conscious part of the mind cannot access this section. The faction suppresses unpleasant memories such as trauma and stressful occurrences, hence resulting in a scenario known as forgetting. Blocked memories, involuntary affect one's character. Therefore, it is in this regard Freud (1922) stated that underlying thoughts play a crucial role in shaping a person’s character.
Over the last few decades, scientists have conducted research to validate Freud's theories but the findings always remain inconclusive. Many individuals concur with his assumptions based on their daily experiences. Studies indicate t...