The Memory Process - Research Paper Example

 The Memory Process Memory tests are an essential component of the examination of people’s short-term, long-term and working memory. This paper examines the intricacies of memory processes, identifying and explaining the concepts of short-term, long-term and working memory. The paper will also examine the role of retrieval and encoding in the memory process while also evaluating the variables associated with information encoding (Terry, 2006). Concepts of working memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory Long-term memory refers to a massive store of information or knowledge, as well as a succinct record of previous events. Long-term memory exists in accordance with theoretical views, and all normal individuals have rich albeit flawed and incomplete sets of long-term memories. Long-term memory requires frequent repetition before the information is embedded in the long-term memory. Short-term memory, on the other hand, speaks of the faculties of a person’s mind capable of holding a restricted amount of information or knowledge. The short-term memory is accessible only temporarily. Short-term memory also holds ideas that are not in a person’s temporary conscious awareness. Short-term memory has a distinct relationship with neural firing, which represent certain ideas and a person can deem the idea as a short-term memory when the cell assembly or firing pattern is active. Working memory has distinct similarities with short-term memory (Terry, 2006). Working memory refers to memory used in planning or carrying out ideas or behaviors. Working memories enable people to keep hold of the unfinished results or thoughts when compiling an argument. Attention-related processes influence the activity and applicability of working memory. The working memory holds representations of verbal-phonological and visual-spatial separately and manages and manipulates the representations with the help of attention-related processes. In essence, working memory is a combination of various components working cooperatively. For instance, the long-term memory influences the function of the working memory by reducing the former’s load by grouping and organizing information within the working memory into few and easily manageable units. It is apparent that working memory encompasses short-term memory, as well as other processing mechanisms, which utilize the short-term memory (Terry, 2006). Test and Result Description The Explore Your Memory Test required me to recall a series of numbers from a set of only three numbers and progressing to remember nine numbers. I was essentially able to remember eight numbers correctly. In order to retrieve the numbers from my memory easily, I grouped the numbers into small groups of three numbers. The memory test also encompassed a picture, which I had to look at for several seconds before later trying to identify what was unique about the picture. Since the imagery was relatively busy, I struggled immensely to retrieve the key components of the picture from my memory. The test aimed at testing a person’s ability to recall key elements without getting distracted either by emotions or the massive array of numbers (Purdue University, 2009). Role of encoding and retrieval in the memory process Encoding and retrieval are vital processes in the memory process. Encoding and retrieval refer to processes involving moving of information both to and from the short-term memory and long-term memory respectively. The relationship between the memory process and encoding and retrieval is quite robust since all processes correlate to produce effective memory results. Encoding encompasses linking new data to existing knowledge in order to generate new and highly meaningful information. The quality of the encoding process relates to a level with which new data is assimilated with current knowledge. From the memory test, it is quite evident that encoding encompasses the tagging of thoughts using words. Notably, pictorial representations, as well as other forms of representations also use words in the labeling process. The encoding process requires viable direction to ensure that only accurate information moves to the long-term memory. Essentially, encoding involves the unpremeditated storage of information in a person’s long-term memory during the memory process (Terry, 2006). Retrieval, on the other hand, involves drawing conclusions from existing knowledge. Retrieval forms the basis or foundation for all forms of new knowledge. During the learning process, retrieval or previous knowledge directly influences the quantity of new information that the memory can process. Usually, people have low quantities of previous knowledge, which hampers retrieval thereby deterring the learning process. In intentional memory processes, for instance, the memory test, retrieval of information is methodically affected by directing various contents within the working process. Therefore, the intentional retrieval of information works directly with one’s working memory. During the memory test, information retrieval with regard to previously provided information (words and pictures) works with the working memory. In essence, retrieval of information results in remembrance of pertinent information since retrieval deliberately focuses on certain memories (Terry, 2006). Encoding enhances one’s capacity to transmit data from the short to long-term memory. However, retrieval improves one’s ability to move information from the long-term memory to the short-term memory. Variables associated with encoding information and ease of retrieval Various elements or variables affect a person’s capacity to encode and retrieve information. Depending on whether the event is positive or negative may influence a person’s encoding and ease of retrieval. People suppress negative events; therefore, have difficulty encoding and retrieving such information. Another variable that influences encoding and retrieval is the time span, particularly with regard to memory processes. Working memory typically enables a person to recall many things, for instance, a list of words or numbers. Short-term memory, on the other hand, has quite a short time frame, therefore, does not store massive quantities of information for long periods. Long-term memory lasts for weeks, years or decades. Various elements such as time and illnesses affect all the aforementioned memory processes. From the memory test, I took, it is quite evident that stress also affects one’s ability to encode and retrieve information (Terry, 2006). I was quite stressed when I took the test, leading me to perform rather dismally. A person’s emotional capacity influences his or her ability to retrieve information. Such retrieval focuses on the individual’s long-term memory. Meaningfulness also influences a person’s ability to encode and retrieve information. Typically, people are able to encode and retrieve information easily if the information is meaningful to them. I was able to retrieve the numbers from my memory because I grouped them into categories of three numbers thereby easing the process of information retrieval. References Purdue University. (2009). Explore your memory: Long term memory. Retrieved from http://education.calumet.purdue.edu  Terry, W. S. (2006). Learning and memory: Basic principles, processes, and procedures. Boston: Pearson/Allyn Bacon. Read More