Memory is a unique phenomenon that allows a person not to remain constantly in the state of a newborn. Therefore, his full life activity will be possible only if this mental process functions correctly.
There are a large number of hypotheses and currents that can help explain the phenomenon of memory. They formed over many years of its study. But a unified theory of memory does not exist, but the following can be distinguished:
- cybernetic informational;
- physiological;
- biochemical;
- chemical;
- physical.
All psychological theories of memory are developing in two broad directions.
The first is associative. It is based on the following postulate: if certain formations in the human psyche arise in consciousness simultaneously or one after another, a clear associative connection is formed between them. When any of these elements reappears, a complete picture of this entire system of elements is invoked in consciousness.
Secondly, the theory of activity, according to which, it is memory that can be the factor that determines the formation of all processes. First, connections will be formed between the memorized material and the actions that a person performs. In this activity, memorization is determined, as well as the preservation and reproduction of memorized information.
Consider in more detail the basic theory of memory.
The physical theory of memory was built on the following postulates:
- a nerve impulse that passes through a special group of nerve cells can cause mechanical and electrical changes at the site of contact;
- they leave physical traces behind them;
- thanks to these changes, the repetition of the impulse along the same path is ensured;
- as a result, the material is memorized.
Theories of memory also include the chemical concept . It is based on the following provisions:
- any information can be remembered due to chemical changes in nerve cells;
- it is carried out under the influence of external stimuli;
- as a result, rearrangement of protein molecules in neurons begins, especially in nucleic acid molecules;
- DNA is the carrier of genetic memory, RNA is individual.
Theories of memory were supplemented by a biochemical concept . Its main postulates are the following:
- there is a two-stage nature of memorization;
- at the initial stage in the brain, a short-term, second-second reaction is carried out, causing a system of physiological changes;
- they have a reversible character and act as a mechanism for short-term memorization;
- at the second stage (biochemical), new protein substances (proteins) are formed;
- at the last stage, irreversible changes in neurons occur, they form a long-term memory.
Theories of memory include physiological theory , which is based on the concept of I.P. Pavlova. The main postulate is that there are special patterns in the work of the GNI, and the basis of the memory act is only a conditioned reflex. Due to this, the formation of links between the new information and the content that was previously recorded in memory.
The information-cybernetic theory of memory took shape when computer technology and the development of programming appeared. This required a constant search for ways how the machine will receive, process, and also store information. As a result, technical and algorithmic modeling of the memory processes that occur in the human brain was required.
Many concepts took shape, and each has its own "rational kernel."