Types of Memory (Detailed Understanding):
Sensory Memory:
- Duration: 0.5-3 seconds
- Capacity: Large but rapidly decaying
- Function: Initial processing of sensory information
- Optimization: Pay attention to important stimuli, filter out distractions
Short-Term/Working Memory:
- Duration: 15-30 seconds without rehearsal
- Capacity: 7±2 items (Miller's Magic Number)
- Function: Temporary storage and manipulation of information
- Optimization: Chunking, rehearsal, and reducing cognitive load
Long-Term Memory:
- Duration: Potentially permanent
- Capacity: Virtually unlimited
- Types: Declarative (explicit) and Procedural (implicit)
- Optimization: Elaborative encoding, spaced repetition, and meaningful connections
Declarative Memory Subtypes:
Episodic Memory (Personal experiences):
- Examples: Your first day of school, what you had for breakfast
- Characteristics: Time and place specific, autobiographical
- Enhancement: Create vivid, multi-sensory experiences, use storytelling
Semantic Memory (General knowledge):
- Examples: Facts, concepts, vocabulary, rules
- Characteristics: Context-independent, abstract knowledge
- Enhancement: Build conceptual networks, use elaborative rehearsal