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MemoryShort-term memonry

Memory allows the brain to store and retrieve information when required. Sensory memory takes in information. Short-term memory holds a small amount of information for a short time. Long-term holds an unlimited amount of information for a long time.

Part of Human BiologyNeurobiology and immunology

Short-term memonry

Short-term memory has a limited capacity and can only hold information for a short period of time.

Chunking

The capacity of the short-term memory can be increased through a method called ‘cܲ԰쾱Բ’. This involved breaking a larger piece of information into several smaller pieces.

A good example of how we regularly use chunking is when committing phone numbers to memory:

  • 01414960217 becomes 0141 496 0217

Rehearsal

We can use rehearsal to increase the length of time information is stored in the STM. Rehearsal involves repeating the information over and over again.

Rehearsal helps to maintain information in the short-term memory and increases the chances of that information passing into long-term memory.

Working memory

Our working memory is an extension of our short-term memory. It is able to process and manipulate the data in our short-term memory. It is useful for performing simple cognitive tasks such as remembering individual steps of a recipe when cooking a meal.

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