memory formation

First type of memory is sensory. Sensory memory is the shortest type of memory and usually disappears quite quickly. It is the memory of a stimulus caused by any of the five senses. As mentioned by Mr. Luke Mastin, the sensory memory for visual stimuli is often referred as the iconic memory, the memory for aural, or smell is referred to as echoic memory, and that for touch is referred to as haptic memory. Echoic memory, possibly being even more closely linked to memory than the other senses, this due to the olfactory bulb and olfactory cortex, where the smell sensations are processed. They are very close, separated by just 2 or 3 synapses. Which are involved in memory processes. Therefore, the stimulus of smell might be quicker and strongly linked with memories and their associated emotions. The memory of a smell may last longer, even without constant bringing together. (Luke Mastin)

The second type of memory is short-term. Short term memory allows to remember things, but only for a few seconds to a minute or so. It allows you to remember what you had just read, or a phone number that you just got from a friend. It allows you to recall what just happened rather than store the information that’s not as important in your long term memory. But if it is information that you like to retain in the long-term memory, then the short-term memory of it is an important. The information degrades relatively fast unless you attempt to make the effort to further retain the information. By doing this you get one step closer to a long-term memory of the information or experience. In this process it is best to go over the information more than once to insure it will be stored for later use of memory. That is why it is best to look over a chapter yo...

... middle of paper ...

...are in class and the teacher asks you a question. You know that you know the answer, but you can't think it. It is on the “tip of your tongue.” Then the teacher says a part of the answer or something related to the answer then it hits you. This because the hint or cue put you on the right track therefore your mind more easily recalled the information. Serial recall is when you recall information in order. Like remember the number line or the alphabet.

Now that we have looked at we know. Although ,we don't have all the information yet, we begin to understand how our memory works. We understand how short our sensory memory is, how our mind develops the memories, and how we recall them. This information is crucial in the further understanding of memory formation. From sensory to long-term memory we understand now, better than ever, the formation of our memory.