Classification of Memory

Classification of Memory
Expertises have classified the stages of memory process into three main categories. They call them:

• Sensory Memory

• Short Term Memory

• Long Term Memory

Sensory memory is a very fleeting type of memory, which works only as long as the experience is present.

For instance if you were looking at a bird, you would remember it only as long as it is in front of you. The moment it flies away, you would not be able to remember what it looked like unless you have filed the information away into your short-term memory.

In effect, sensory memory holds as long as your senses are experience a thing. Whether it is the feel of an object, smell or the sensation of anything, it is all there in the sensory memory for a very brief period while your sense is active.

Short term memory, on the other hand, can help you recall for a little longer; in fact, as long as you keep thinking about it.

Whether it is the telephone number that you have been repeating constantly till you write it down, or image of the bird, it will remain available as long as you actively think about it. Otherwise, it will be erased within a span of about 20 seconds.

How does the long term memory work? It is the mainstay of the memory system and can hold unlimited amount of information, which can range from a few minutes old to life-time period.

Long term memory is like a huge hard disk of a giant computer where unlimited information can be stored for a lifetime. It is this memory that we have to hone, polish and activate.
Classification of Memory