According to psychology, memory refers to the process of encoding, storing and retrieving information. Through encoding, information emanating from the outer world reaches our senses in chemical and physical stimuli forms. Firstly, the information is changed so that it undergoes encoding. It is then stored. The last stage involves the stored information retrieval. However, some attempts to retrieve information are effortless owing to the information type. There are three types of memory i.e. sensory memory, long-term memory and short-term memory.
In sensory memory, individuals retain sensory information impressions on the ceasing of the original stimulus. In an organism’s life, sensory information is encoded via sensory receptors and then undergoes processing by the nervous system.. Sensory memory makes use of the five senses i.e. hearing, taste, sight, touch and smell. With sensory memory, individuals retain the sensory information impressions after the original stimulus is no more. There are three types of short-term memory i.e. iconic memory, echoic memory and haptic memory.
Short-term memory refers to the capability to retain considerably small amount information in the mind that it is always available within a short period of time.
Long-term memory on the other hand refers to the continuous information storage. Mostly, people are unaware of this memory but it can be recalled to working memory whenever it is required. Unlike other memories, information in long-term memory is fairly easy to remember. Long-term memory is bound to be unlimited. However, it is possible for long-term memory to be available but not accessible.
Learning is the process whereby one acquires new, or modifies existing behaviors, skills, knowledge, preferences or values and may involve amalgamation of various information types. The learning capability is embedded in animals, humans and some machines. Learning is contextual rather the than compulsory. It doesn’t take place but is rather a result of information build-up and it is shaped by what something someone already knows. Leaning is perceived to be a process rather than an anthology of certain information. Therefore, learning is based on experience. It produces relatively permanent changes in the involved organism.
Learning can occur in many ways. It may be part of personal development, schooling, education, or training. When it is goal-oriented and is bound to be abetted by motivation. Learning can also result from accustomedness or classical conditioning as witnessed in several animal species. It can take place consciously or happen without one being unaware.
It is evident that humans can learn prenatally, a situation whereby habituation has been witnessed as early as 32 weeks into pregnancy, an indication that the central nervous system develops and gets primed for memory and learning to occur at the very initial stages of development.
According to many theorists, children learn about rules, interact and experiment with the universe through play. Lev Vygotsky admits that play is fundamental for children’s development since they are able to attach meaning to their environment via play.
There are several types of learning i.e. simple non-associative learning, associative learning, classical conditioning, imprinting, observational, learning, play, enculturation, episode learning, multimedia learning, e-learning and augmented learning, rote learning, meaningful learning, informal learning, formal learning, non-formal learning, among others.
Works Cited
Cowan, N. (2001). "The magical number 4 in short-term memory: A reconsideration of mental storage capacity". Behavioral and Brain Sciences 24: 97–185.
Sabri; Kareken, Dzemidzic, Lowe, Melara, (2003). "Neural correlates of auditory sensory memory and automatic change detection". NeuroImage 21: 69–74.
http://www.simplypsychology.org/long-term-memory.html
