Memory Summary Sensory memory is the memory stage that registers information from the environment and holds it for a tiny period. Memory researchers have come to the conclusion that for each sense there is a separate sensory memory. These would include vision, hearing, touch and smell as well as others. Visual and auditory senses are studied the most. Visual sensory memory is sometimes called iconic memory because it refers to the short image of an image, or icon. Auditory sensory memory is sometimes called echoic memory because it is like an echo. (D. Hockenbury, 2009; S. Hockenbury, 2009 p. 233-235) According to Baddeley, short-term memory is the center that processes the sensory memory information then “holds that information for about 20 seconds and sends certain information to the long-term memory" (as cited in D. Hockenbury, 2009; S. Hockenbury, 2009 p. 232). It has a limited amount of space for storage of information. In the short term, memory is where old information from a long term memory is retrieved and processed. Baddeley stated that when thinking of the short term memory it is a good idea to think of it as a working memory for all the processes it does within the brain; it processes new incoming information to be transferred to the long term memory then it will retrieve the information as it is needed (as cited in D. Hockenbury, 2009; S. Hockenbury, 2009 p. 232). Long-term memory is the storage of information over a long period. The information retained through long-term memory has no time limit. Memory, both as short as twenty seconds and as long as lifetimes can be considered long-term memory. Three categories of long-term memory are used to store information. Procedural memory is how we remember everyday skills. Specific events along with where and when can be attributed to episodic memory. Semantic memory allows us to recall things that are commonly known to us such as facts, names, and ideas. Explicit memory and implicit memory are two subsystems of long-term memory. Explicit memory, also known as declarative memory helps consciously recall information. On the other hand, implicit memory is without awareness even though our performance and knowledge are affected. (D. Hockenbury, 2009; S. Hockenbury, 2009 p. 238-241). The human brain is the most astonishing, mystifying, and intricate computer known. However, scientists have found a few fine points that explain the process of our memory. If people can understand just how memory works, they may be able to keep hold of more information in their long-term memory. Belied is memory that is stored in a specific area of the brain, while short-term memories and working memory is stored in other areas. When you are learning something new, and you are gathering information that data is stored in the short- term memory bank. When you go back constantly to review the information or data that you gathered, this information is then transferred to the long-term memory bank. Everyone does not find this process an easy task and struggle to retain information. By understanding just how our memory works our ability to learn increases because we begin to understand exactly what is needed to turn a short-term memory into long-term memory if needed.

References
Baddeley, Alan D. (1992, January 31). Working memory. Science, 255(5044),556–559.
Hockenbury D. H. & Hockenbury S. E. (2013) Discovering psychology (6th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.