Memory is a mental process consisting in consolidation, storage and subsequent reproduction of information. Thanks to these operations, the preservation of human experience is ensured.
Research history
The first study of memory began in ancient times and was associated with the learning process. In ancient Greece, for example, it was generally accepted that information penetrates the head of a person in the form of specific material particles, leaving imprints on the soft substance of the brain, like clay or wax.
Subsequently, the author of the "hydraulic" model of the nervous system, R. Descartes, formulates the idea that the regular use of the same nerve fibers (hollow tubes, according to Descartes) reduces their resistance to the movement of "life spirits" (due to stretching). This, in turn, leads to the formation of memorization.
In the 80s. 19th century G. Ebbinghaus offers his own method of studying the laws of so-called pure memory. Reception consisted in memorizing meaningless syllables. The result was curves of memorization, as well as certain patterns of action of the mechanisms of associations. So, for example, it was found that those events that made a strong impression on a person are especially firmly remembered. Such information is stored immediately and for a long time. On the contrary, less important data for a person (even if they are more complex in their content) in memory, as a rule, are not stored for a long time.
Thus, G. Ebbinghaus was the first to apply the experimental method to the study of memory.
From the end of the 19th century onwards, they try to interpret the memory process by analogy with the functioning of such mechanical devices as a telephone, tape recorder, electronic computer, etc. If analogies with modern technologies are drawn, then there is a classification of computer memory.
In a modern scientific school, biological analogies are used in the analysis of memorization mechanisms. For example, a molecular basis is attributed to some types of memory: the process of recording information is accompanied by an increase in the content of nucleic acids in brain neurons.
Memory classification
Psychology is based on the following criteria in the allocation of types of memory:
1. The nature of the predominant mental activity:
- motor,
- figurative
- emotional
- verbal-logical.
2. The nature of the objectives of the activity:
3. The duration of consolidation / preservation of the material:
- short-term
- long-term
- operational.
4. The use of mnemonic equipment:
The nature of the predominant activity of mental activity
Despite the fact that all types of memory that meet this criterion do not exist separately, but closely interact with each other, Blonsky revealed a specific specificity of each of the types:
- Motor (motor) memory. Classification of memory in this case is aimed at the predominance of certain movements. So, for example, this type is fundamental in the formation of skills of practical and motor activity (walking, running, writing, etc.). Otherwise, during the implementation of a particular motor act, we would have to learn it again every time. At the same time, there is both a certain stable part of these skills (for example, each of us has our own handwriting, the manner of giving a hand for greeting, the manner of using cutlery, etc.), as well as variable (a certain deviation of movements depending on the situation).
- Shaped memory. The classification of memory is aimed at memorizing from the point of view of the leading modality (visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, tactile). Information perceived by a person earlier, after the formation of figurative memory is reproduced already in the form of representations. Specific properties of representations are their fragmentation, as well as fuzziness and instability. Accordingly, the image reproduced in the memory can significantly differ from its original.
- Emotional memory. It manifests itself in the process of remembering and reproducing feelings. It is extremely important in the mental activity of the individual, since emotions are primarily a signal of the state of our needs and interests, our relationship with the world around us. The feelings experienced by us in the past and enshrined in our memory subsequently appear for us as motivators / anti-stimulants to certain actions. At the same time, as in the previous form, the feelings reproduced in the memory can differ significantly from its original original (depending on the change in the nature, content and strength of a certain experience).
- Verbal-logical memory. It is aimed at memorizing thoughts by an individual (thoughts about a read book, content of a conversation with friends, etc.). At the same time, the functioning of thought is impossible without the participation of linguistic forms - hence the name: verbal-logical memory. The classification of memory, therefore, includes two subspecies: when it is necessary to remember only the meaning of the material without the exact reproduction of the accompanying verbal expressions; when literal verbal expression of certain thoughts is also needed.
The nature of the objectives of the activity
- Arbitrary memory. It is accompanied by the active participation of the will in the process of memorizing, consolidating and reproducing this or that information.
- Involuntary memory. The flow of the main mechanisms of memory takes place without volitional effort, automatically. At the same time, by the strength of memorization, involuntary memory can be both weaker and, on the contrary, more stable than arbitrary.
Duration of consolidation / preservation of material
The basic classification of memory, as a rule, always includes a temporary criterion.
- Short-term memory. It stores information after the termination of its perception (action on the sensory organs of the corresponding stimuli) for about 25-30 seconds.
- Long-term memory. It is the dominant type of memorization for an individual, designed to store information for a long period. Moreover, this information is reused by humans.
- RAM. It is aimed at storing specific information within the framework of solving the corresponding current task. Actually, this task determines the specifics of RAM in a given situation. The classification of RAM is also related to the time criterion. Depending on the conditions of the problem being solved, the storage time of information in RAM may vary from several seconds to several days.
The use of mnemonics
- Immediate memory. Classification of memory in this case is carried out from the point of view of the presence / absence of certain auxiliary techniques. In the direct form of memorization, the process of direct influence of the perceived material on the senses of the individual is carried out.
- Indirect memory. It is carried out when the individual uses special tools and techniques in the process of memorizing and reproducing material.
Thus, between the information itself and its fingerprint in memory, an additional link is used. Special links, nodules, cheat sheets, etc. can serve as such links.