Primary Memory - Assignment Example

Primary memory also known as short-term memory is where information is first held for a short time after it has been obtained. Primary memory is also a gateway to secondary memory. That is to say, information the long-term memory passes through a short-term or primary memory. One characteristic of primary memory is that information on it can either be retained or discarded. Information retained is moved to the secondary or long-term memory. Another characteristic is the number of items retained by this level of memory. Primary memory is estimated to retain seven items but the items can be more or less by two (Weiner & Freedheim, 2003).

Information is first picked from the environment and stored temporarily in short-term memory. However, information can pass short-term memory and enters long-term memory. When we perceive something, information is first taken, encoded, and stored in sensory memory. At this point, the information needed is sorted out and sent to primary memory. In short-term memory, information is coded and sorted before it is moved to secondary memory. Information on the secondary memory resides up to a point where information is retrieved. Retrieval of information occurs when information stored in secondary memory is moved to primary memory. This is done so that we to bring about the information that had taken place previously. However, in cases where the process of retrieval is compromised, the information retrieved will not match what had happened previously and so the individual experience false memories. When the process is compromised, it can also impede the retrieval of information leaving the person with nothing to recall (Weiner & Freedheim, 2003).

Many people do not agree with this point but it is possible to retrieve unreliable information. Some events are possible to forget but when we encounter some situations, people, or objects we can recall what had previously happened. It happens because the situations we encounter act as retrieval cues. However, as time goes by, the chances of recalling information that happened many years ago are less. It is because as a person ages, the retrieval process of information changes and so previously stored information gets distorted.

One factor that can hinder the reliability of memory is the absence of cues. As mentioned above, some events can make us recall what had previously happened. It is because cues go on to trigger the memory to recall the last events.  There are also two other issues that can affect the reliability of memory. Retroactive interference and proactive interference can affect the reliability of memory. For example, consider retroactive interference, a student sitting for an exam who had previously memorized formulation with intention of using them during the exam. However, as she prepares for exams, she comes across other formulas in an effort to memorize the new ones; she finds out that it would be difficult to recall the previous formulas. In this case, memorizing the new formulas affects the memory of previously stored information (Rathus, 2011).