Memory Test Analysis - Research Paper Example

Memory Test Analysis Short-term Memory “Short-term memory, also known as primary or active memory, is the information we are currently aware of or thinking about” (Cherry, 2012). Short-term memory is called as the conscious mind in the Freudian psychology. Information in this memory is received from the sensory memories. Information stays in the short-term memory for a period of about 20 to 30 seconds. It can be even lesser than that if rehearsal of the information is not carried out in between. A vast majority of the short-term memories are wiped out of memory after this period, though if one attends to the information stored in the short-term memory, it can be sustained to make its long-term memory. Working Memory Sometimes, short-term memory and working memory are used interchangeably, though the two types of memory are slightly different from each other. While short-term memory is the temporary storage of data in mind, working memory essentially constitutes the processes that make the temporal storage, organization, and manipulation of the data possible. Working memory helps in the temporary recall of things and is thus, very easily forgotten. Implementation of a technique of memorization causes the received information to be encoded in the long-term memory. Working memory can be understood as the Post-it note of the brain and plays a pivotal role in the successful learning. It is the active part of the whole system of memory. The information received by the mind is processed and stored at the same time. “Working memory helps us stay involved in something longer and keep more things in mind while approaching a task … And, how can you plan ahead if you don't use working memory to keep your goal in mind, resist distractions, and inhibit impulsive choices?” (Cruger cited in Stuart, 2012). Long-term Memory Long-term memory, as the name indicates, is the kind of memory in which the information is stored for a long period of time in the memory. “Theoretically, the capacity of long-term memory could be unlimited, the main constraint on recall being accessibility rather than availability” (McLeod, 2010). The duration of long-term memory can range from a few minutes to the whole lifetime. The Memory Test The memory test I selected was an online memory test that contained seven questions in total that I was required to answer in no more than five minutes. The opening sentence of the test claimed that the test would evaluate my tendency to remember the names and numbers. As I pressed the “Take the test!” button, I could instantly see the seven questions on my screen. Against each question, I was given five options on the scale of 1 to 5 with 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 standing for almost always, often, sometimes, rarely, and almost never respectively (Psychology Today, n.d.). The seven questions were very simple. Most of them were meant to judge my ability to remember things. After I was done with the test, I was able to see my score as well as its detailed interpretation to help me understand what my score meant. On a scale of 0 to 100, my score was 64. It was mentioned in the result that my memory is fairly good. However, I occasionally have memory lapses. The text further mentioned different kinds of techniques that can help improve my memory recall if I use them e.g. writing down things, making visual associations, or using mnemonic devices. In the last, the text discussed reasons of poor memory recall that ranged from poor diet, and fatigue to the Alzheimer’s Disease, and tumors. With this, I came to the end. Encoding and Retrieval Encoding and retrieval play a very important role in the memory process as they are intricately linked to the memory. Encoding is the process of movement of information to and from the short-term memory whereas retrieval is the process of movement of the information to and from the long-term memory. New information is linked to the existing knowledge with the help of encoding. This plays a role in adding meaning and significance to the new information. This process’s quality is associated with the level of integration of the new information into the existing knowledge. “Much encoding involves labeling thoughts with words, but pictorial or other forms may be used as well” (muskingum.edu, n.d.). On the other hand, retrieval is the process of drawing on the knowledge that already exists. Retrieval lays the basis for new knowledge. While an individual is learning, retrieval of the prior knowledge greatly affects the extent of new information to be processed. While answering the seven questions in the test, I had to retrieve information from my long-term memory regarding how frequently I remember or forget the thing asked about in the question. Every question stayed in my short-term memory for as long as I was working on its answer. I could not remember the first question while solving the third, or the third while solving the fifth or even the forth. The questions kept erasing from my memory as I got past them, which means they had been encoded in my short-term memory. Variables of Encoding and Retrieval Variables that affect the encoding of information include meaningfulness and rehearsal. In the test, the language used for the questions was very simple and easily understandable. There were no difficult words to first Google their meaning and then develop the sentence's sense in my mind. This enhanced the meaningfulness of the sentences and I was able to encode the information in my memory easily. Also, after reading each statement, I rehearsed that in my mind at least once before recalling my memory for its answer so that I did not forget the question along the way. Factors that affect the retrieval of information include stress and agility. While taking the test, I was a bit lethargic as I was doing it late in the night. Also, I was a bit stressed because I was in a hurry to get done and go to sleep as I would be late for the college in the morning otherwise. So I could not concentrate as much on the test as I would otherwise have. Therefore, I might not be able to retrieve the test from my memory at a later point in time. References: Cherry, K. (2012). What Is Short-Term Memory? Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/memory/f/short-term-memory.htm. McLeod, S. (2010). Long-Term Memory. Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/long-term-memory.html. muskingum.edu. (n.d.). Encoding and Retrieval: Background Information on Encoding and Retrieval. Retrieved from http://www.muskingum.edu/~cal/database/general/encoding.html. Psychology Today. (n.d.). Memory Test. Retrieved from http://psychologytoday.tests.psychtests.com/bin/transfer?req=MTF8MzM2MHwzNjQ0NzgyfDB8MQ==&refempt=. Stuart, A. (2012, Apr. 20). What Is Working Memory and Why Does It Matter? Retrieved from http://www.ncld.org/ld-basics/ld-aamp-executive-functioning/basic-ef-facts/what-is-working-memory-and-why-does-it-matter. Read More