Question

Identify each of the following descriptions as characteristic of sensory memory (SM), short-term memory (STM), or long-term memory (LTM).Function Brief storage of sensory impressions ___________.

Short answer

Brief storage of sensory impressions - Sensory Memory (SM).

Step-by-step solution

Identify Memory Type

The function mentioned "Brief storage of sensory impressions" refers to the initial process of storing sensory information which is part of the memory system that retains impressions of sensory information after the original stimuli end. Taking this into account, the function corresponds to Sensory Memory (SM).

Confirm the Answer

As Sensory Memory (SM) is a type of memory that briefly retains the information collected from the five senses, this characteristic "Brief storage of sensory impressions" aligns perfectly with Sensory Memory. Therefore, the exercise can be filled as: "Brief storage of sensory impressions - Sensory Memory (SM)". This completes our task. Always remember to closely analyze and understand the characteristics of different memory types in psychology for similar exercises.

Key concepts

Sensory Memory

Sensory memory serves as the first stop for external stimuli in our memory system, acting as a buffer for incoming sensory information. It briefly holds the details from our five senses after the original stimuli have ceased. Imagine you see a flash of lightning—sensory memory allows you to retain that image for a split second after it disappears.

This type of memory is automatic and not under conscious control. It's subdivided into different types based on the sense involved, such as iconic memory for visual inputs and echoic memory for auditory stimuli. Because of its fleeting nature, sensory memory is not typically included in discussions about memory improvement techniques, as its capacity and duration are fixed.

However, sensory memory plays a critical role in providing a continuous experience of the world, even though we might only process a fraction of this information further into short-term or long-term memory. Without sensory memory, our perception would be akin to a series of disjointed snapshots rather than a coherent, flowing reality.

Short-Term Memory

Short-term memory (STM), or working memory, is the memory system where we hold information temporarily for analysis and daily usage. It's the mental workbench enabling us to perform cognitive tasks such as learning, reasoning, and understanding. For example, when you are working out a math problem in your head, the numbers you keep in mind before arriving at the solution are held in your short-term memory.

The capacity of STM is limited, often cited as the 'magic number 7 plus or minus 2', which indicates the average number of items most people can keep in their active memory at one time. This memory type has a duration of about 20 to 30 seconds, and information can be lost through processes called decay or displacement unless it is actively repeated or encoded into long-term memory.

Improving STM

• Chunking: Grouping information into chunks to extend the capacity of STM.
• Rehearsal: Repeating information to keep it in STM longer.
• Association: Connecting new information with existing knowledge to make it more memorable.

Techniques such as chunking, rehearsal, and making associations help to extend the duration and capacity of short-term memory.

Long-Term Memory

In contrast to sensory and short-term memory, long-term memory (LTM) is the vast archive where all our knowledge and experiences are stored indefinitely. It is where everything you've learned, from your name to your childhood experiences, to complex scientific theories, are kept. The capacity of LTM is seemingly unlimited, and information can remain there for a lifetime.

LTM is not just a single monolithic entity; it's categorized into declarative (explicit) memory, which includes episodic memories of events and semantic memory of facts and concepts, and non-declarative (implicit) memory like procedural memory, which involves skills and routines.

Enhancing LTM

• Encoding: Deeply processing information helps with transferring it from STM to LTM.
• Mnemonics: Using memory aids can make recall easier.
• Spaced repetition: Revisiting information over increasing intervals strengthens memory traces.

Despite its durability, long-term memories are not always accurate and can be subject to biases and distortions. Techniques for enhancing long-term memory include effective encoding, using mnemonic devices, and practicing spaced repetition.