Memory is one of the mental processes in the human body, thanks to which information is accumulated, studied and remembered. Thanks to this concept, we can talk about the development of experience and the ability of the brain to recreate remembered elements at the right time.
Memory affects emotions and feelings, developing in a person reactions to the environment, forming values and attitudes. You can divide the process into two components:
- Life experience that reflects how the world has influenced the formation of man.
- Personal observations and experiences.
Information can be stored in several “buffers” depending on how it was received, what emotions and memories accompanied the person at that moment.
Types of memory
Psychologists distinguish several subtypes, each of which cannot exist separately, but is directly related to the others.
These are complex brain functions that have been studied by scientists and physicians for many centuries. Now in the mental system stands out:
| Type of memorization | a brief description of |
| Sensory | Instant imprint of information and facts on the peripheral parts of analyzers. It can be divided into iconic and echoic memory. |
| Short-term | A workflow during which only a small part of the entire semantic flow is assimilated. In order for the volume to be large, it is necessary to conduct training of the organs of perception. |
| Secondary | Memory is based on personal experience and emotions experienced. The moments associated with certain sensations are remembered. It is divided into declarative and procedural processes. |
| Memory for distant events | The ability to memorize at a subconscious level some facts and events. Emotion in the future will help the same emotions as at the moment of memorization. The process is spontaneous and is not completely controlled by man. It can be both short-term and long-term. |
Storage of information is possible through the use of different types of storage. Thanks to analyzers on the temporal lobes of the cerebral cortex, processes of renewal and repetition of what they have already seen or heard are taking place.
Close communication with neurons allows not only to reproduce information, but also to convey the emotional background. There are several mechanisms for extracting information from memory.
Touch type
A type of memorization based on the influence of stimuli on the senses. May be long-lasting if irritants were strong. The process is not perceived separately from other species, because it combines the integrated work of not only the cerebral cortex, but also the nervous system and the body as a whole.
A feature of the species is the ability to preserve memories after the cessation of stimulation. Sensory memory is a complex process that facilitates the rapid assimilation of facts.
Between this and the short-term view of the described process, an intermediate element is allocated - random access memory. It allows you to perform an action or procedure on a mechanical level without thinking about the details of the execution. This sensory type of memory is associated with physical processes. As you progress, some elements may be forgotten. If the information affects the cerebral cortex, then the parts of the operative memorization pass into the short-term type.
In the structure of the sensory view, several levels are distinguished:
- Direct. This includes sensory memory, which consists of two additional elements.
- Short-term.
- Long term.
Regardless of what type of memory prevails in terms of perception and processing of information, it can be trained and increase the stock of facts. And drawing up the correct classification of the material allows you to quickly find the right one.
Iconic memorization
Types of sensory memory consist of visual and auditory memory. The first type is holistic portrait memorization and fixation of information. It refers to long-term memory, since in the future images can serve as additional pointers for reconstructing a particular situation. The emotional background influences the iconic type.
In order to be able to accumulate new images and memorize details, it is necessary to clear old emotions. Psychologists advise you to choose for yourself a number of memories that cause unpleasant emotions or pity, and consider the reasons for their appearance, draw conclusions and let go of the situation. Together with emotions, the images will also leave, thereby freeing up space for new ones.
In the case of a high level of development of visual sensory memory, we can talk about the effect of reverse masking. The bottom line is that the image codes reach the cerebral cortex in a matter of milliseconds, and then in other images a person sees the features of the previous one.
This makes it possible to increase the amount of memorable information and constantly expand the boundaries of the visual field, because at a subconscious level the brain will “think through” the situation.
Echo type
The basis of memorization is the auditory perception of information. Effective technique, especially if there are no additional distracting elements. Unlike the visual type, there is no way to compare the facts with images or emotions. For remembering, the timbre of the voice, rhythm and strength are important. The ability to reproduce previously heard depends on the speed of information processing.
To enhance the effect of memorization, scientists recommend accompanying the auditory type with tactile sensations so that information is associated with sensations. Data recording in this case will pass through the somatosensory system.
How not to forget
Sensory memory is the ability to remember a large amount of information through binding to the senses. But in the process of studying and processing, most of the facts are forgotten.
To prevent this from happening, psychologists advise sticking to simple but effective methods:
- Reiteration. It is recommended that new facts be repeated three to four times over several hours. It is important in the process to switch to other points and then again return to the desired source.
- Forgetting in the first few days is faster than in other periods. If you connect the facts with images or emotions and think about them in a week, then the information will be acquired faster.
- Repeat before forgetting. Keeping information in your head is much easier if you concentrate on remembering in the first weeks.
- Associations. Drawing up a mental stream for the necessary fact allows you to remember it for a long time. What sensory memory is possible without the visualization of invented images?
Performing simple actions will provide an opportunity not only to remember more, but also to learn to systematize the knowledge gained. The development of short-term sensory memory is an excellent opportunity to strengthen memory processes.
Key factors
Sometimes it is impossible to remember what is needed, a person thinks about something else and cannot concentrate on the work of the brain. Psychologists identify several elements that affect the speed and quality of memorization. Sensory memory is a close relationship between sensory organs and acting factors:
- Mechanical and conscious memorization. The first option gives less benefit than the second. You need to think about what you need to remember, focus on the details.
- Comparison The process helps to focus on a specific image and highlight features.
- Systematization. When the information refers to the structure or type, it is much easier to master the volume through the desired category.
Training your memory, using various techniques and focusing on details will not only increase the ability to memorize over time, but also improve the quality of playback.
Parenting and training
Work on oneself, self-improvement and development can improve memory. The direction of a person’s mental life, his interests can talk about the level of memorization. The more hobbies, the higher the level of memorization.
Sensory memory is not an inborn process. It is developing and improving. Constant training, learning new languages, increasing vocabulary and expanding knowledge in different industries will achieve the desired effect.