Short-Term Memory
Short-Term Memory is an essential part of everyday activities. It can have a big impact on completing simple everyday tasks such as reading, problem solving and holding conversations. As the name suggests the short-term memory holds any recollections that are used for a short amount of time. The average capacity of the short-term memory is 7 plus or minus 2 items, so 5-9 items at one time. There are ways to take advantage of this such as a method called chunking (read more here). A memory that is kept in the short-term memory stage can only be stored for approximately 20 to 30 seconds at one time. If a memory is not rehearsed it will be forgotten. If, however, it is rehearsed the information will remain in the short-term memory for longer.
Visual and Auditory Memory The Short-Term Memory has two main components: visual and auditory. Visual Memory is used to locate objects that have been seen before and also to compare these objects to others. Most people have a much better visual memory than auditory memory, as there are many more details that can be received. Also, being able to visualize well plays an important role in our memory and can largely affect our ability to memorize. The other type is auditory memory. This refers to sounds and verbal speaking. This type of memory is often less successful in terms of learning but combined with visual aids it can be very helpful. |
Short Term Memory vs. Working Memory
Short-Term Memory is often also defined the Working Memory. These two are very similar and are used as the same term but there is a slight difference. Short-Term Memory refers to the process of receiving information and storing this information for a short amount of time. The Working Memory is the concept of using information in the short-term memory and working with it. For example, simple problem solving or remembering something before writing it down. |
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Dementia SOS. Digital image. Dementia SOS. N.p., 19 Oct. 2011. Web. 14 Jan. 2015. <http://coloradodementia.org/category/the-human-brain/>.
Dementia SOS. Digital image. Dementia SOS. N.p., 19 Oct. 2011. Web. 14 Jan. 2015. <http://coloradodementia.org/category/the-human-brain/>.