Memory

Memory is undoubtedly one of the cognitive functions that make us function efficiently as social beings. Just imagine a life without information retention or memories. Memory is not a simple mental process, but quite the opposite, since it includes the encoding, storage and recovery of information; it also includes the spatial and temporal connection of facts with others. Thanks to memory we remember names, telephone numbers, birthdays, faces, places, songs, meals and all kinds of existing sensations and emotions that we have experienced in life.

From another point of view, we must point out that memory is also fundamental for learning, because what would be the point of learning things if we cannot remember them and therefore cannot put them into practice?

From an anatomical point of view, memory is linked to the hippocampus, however, many areas of the nervous system are linked to it, such as the right hemisphere of the brain, related to the meaning of words; the temporal cortex, where childhood memories are stored; the frontal lobes that coordinate thought and perception; and the cerebellum, where many of the automated cognitive processes occur.

Types of memory

There are many types of memory, as well as several classification criteria. The one we will show you in today's lesson responds to Atkinson and Shiffrin's multi-storage theory:

• Sensory memory: This type of memory is quite ephemeral, since its duration is approximately 250 milliseconds. This time is sufficient for the information received to be identified for further processing.

• Short-term memory (STM): As its name suggests, this retains information for short periods of time, and within this are.

• Working memory (also known as working memory): Belonging to the short-term memory group, this is related to tasks that require storing recurring information.

It is composed of four fundamental factors: phonological loop, visuospatial agenda, episodic store and executive system. The first of these specializes in verbal information, thanks to which we memorize addresses. The second is in charge of processing image-type information, and we must remember a specific route. The third, episodic store, is responsible for integrating information obtained from other places, such as visual, verbal, temporal and spatial. Finally, the executive system governs the functioning of working memory.

Like short-term memory, it is composed of several types:

• Implicit or procedural memory: precisely this stores unconsciously, enabling us to perform automatic activities such as running, driving, stopping at a traffic light, etc.

• Explicit or declarative memory: This contrary to the previous one, it stores in a conscious way and is manifested in the recognition of birthdays, people, places, etc.

• Episodic memory: This type of memory allows us to store data of our life, such as good, bad, special moments and much more.

• Semantic memory: Contrary to the previous one, it allows us to remember long-term events, but not related to our personal experiences. An example of this is the knowledge of important historical facts.

Anomalies associated with memory

Recency effect: We remember with greater intensity the information that is presented to us last.

Primacy effect: We remember with greater intensity the information that is presented to us first.

Google effect: We tend to forget information that we know we can easily find on the Internet without having to memorize it.

Mandela effect or false memory: Distorted memory, whose distortion seems to be quite common in unrelated people. It is known by this name because many people claimed that Nelson Mandela had died in prison, when he had not.

"Deja Vu": Unrealistic sensation of having lived a certain moment previously.

"Jamais vu": Contrary to the previous one, this happens when we believe we have experienced a certain situation for the first time, when in fact we have already experienced it on several occasions.