Memory covers three fundamental aspects through which information is processed. These aspects are; encoding, storage and retrieval (Gray 12). Memory, therefore, refers to the means by which various structures and processes are involved in the encoding, storage and retrieval of information. According to psychologists, memory can be classified under three principal categories; sensory memory, long term memory and short term memory.
Sensory Memory
In most instances, information is stored for a few seconds after it has been perceived. For example; it is possible to remember how an item looked like even after viewing it for just a millisecond. Sensory memory is involved in these instances. Generally, the body senses are used in the acquisition of this type of memory. This form of memory degrades after a very short time and it is thus almost impossible to recall. Three key types of memory fall under this categorisation.
Iconic Memory, Echoic Memory and Haptic Memory
Iconic Memory is what most psychologists refer to as the visual form of sensory memory (Gray 13). It is a type of memory store that contributes to visual memory. This memory is arranged in a coherent manner to aid retrieval. For example; it is possible for one to remember the colour of hair of someone they met briefly. Echoic Memory is involved in registering and storage of auditory information. The memory is stored for slightly longer periods than the iconic memory. For example; one can easily recall information they heard on the radio even if it was not important. Large amounts of information can be stored in this manner. Lastly, Haptic Memory is where information obtained through touch is stored; touch is involved in the acquisition of this kind of information. A typical example in this case is ones description of the texture of an item. It involves the use of both skin and muscles. The nervous system is quite useful in this case.
Short Term Memory
Synonymous to its name, this type of memory is one stored for a short period of time. Research estimates that about seven items can be stored with this kind of memory at a time. However, this kind of memory can be expanded by a process known as chunking. For example; anybody is capable of recalling a number plate with more than seven numbers or letters. This is because the memory centre of the brain is capable of chunking or grouping information into chunks (Gray 13). Items stored in an acoustic manner easily encoded by this type of memory.
Long Term Memory
This type of memory has a larger capacity compared to the above types. It is enhanced through repetition and rehearsal. Memory is encoded semantically. It can be divided into implicit (procedural) and explicit (declarative) memory. Implicit memory is one that helps in recalling information on how to do something. Processes and skills are easily recalled due to this type of memory. Explicit memory can be further divided into semantic and episodic memory. Episodic memory is involved in the recalling of events such as birthdays and weddings. On the other hand, semantic memory is one that gives knowledge on facts. This is usually done consciously.
Differences between Short Term and Long Term Memory
While both aspects deal with memory, short term and long term memory differ in two fundamental ways. First, there is the aspect of temporal decay or duration and secondly, the capacity limits (Gray 87). Research is being done on just how much these two types of memory can hold. While discrepancies still exist, evidence suggests that the two factions remain quite differentiated. Their names are synonymous to these two factions (Gray 153). Temporal Decay
Synonymous to the name, short term memory is stored for short time. But then, information in the long term memory can be stored for a long period of time. A psychologist known as Broadbent was the first one to determine the differences between the two types of memory basing on the duration of the information (Gray 150). Apparently, all researchers always come to the conclusion that temporal decay is quicker in the short term memory.
Capacity
When viewed from the apotheosis of limits, long term memory is immeasurably high. While it has been easier to estimate the capacity of short term memory, long term memory remains a mystery to most researchers. It seems that the long term memory is a bottomless tank where information can be stored in both the conscious and unconscious part of the mind.
This concept was first introduced by a researcher known as Miller in 1956. He insisted that in the short term memory, only about seven items could be stored (Gray 156). This is still debatable with other researchers coming up with other values. On the other hand, long term memory can store immeasurable amounts of information. The chunking system is quite effective in enhancing storage in both cases. This further increase the amount of information stored in the long term memory.
Cognitive Psychology
Cognitive psychology is involved with the study of mental processes (Gray 187). The mental processes studied in this case involve those of high ranking such as; attention, language, perception, memory and problem solving. It is one faction of psychology that is encompassed in almost all other subjects in psychology. The ideas found herein are espoused in almost all other concepts of psychology. Plato is among the first psychologists to study such mental processes. It is still believed that all human beings are born with congenital capabilities. All through, the main focus of cognitive psychology has been on the various mental processes.
Language Use and Visual Cognition
The way human beings use language has remained a subject of curiosity over the years. Carl Wernicke was among the first psychologists to study language use. The way language is acquired, formed and utilised varies from one individual to another. Studies done on this subject are useful in studying learning disabilities (Gray 178). On the other hand, Visual Cognition is the type of perception that involves the use of eyes as a sensory organism. Cognitive psychologists insist that the way human beings view things affect their behaviour. This has been especially valuable in discerning learning disabilities. Apparently, visual cognition is useful when it comes to memory and its storage. It is easier for a human being to store visual information than audio information. Visual information is also easier to recall.
Problem Solving and Reasoning
People solve problems in different ways. This is largely affected by their mental processes. Problem solving techniques are also largely dependent on reasoning. These aspects have proven to e quite useful in learning (Gray 182). Teachers and scholars will always find the best way of solving a problem depending on the reasoning capacity of every human being.
Judging and Deciding
These are involved in the formation of opinion. The way with which one judges or decides is largely based on the mental capabilities of a person. How fast a decision or a judgement is made is also dependent on the complexity of the situation and the person. Age is a significant factor when it comes to some of these cognitive processes. The climax of cognitive function is a factor of genetics, environment and nutrition. Cognitive psychology is one necessary division of psychology that has played a role in all other aspects of psychology (Gray 171).
Theories of Motivation
Human beings are said to have a force within or outside them that pushes them to undertake various activities aimed towards specific goals (Gray 198). This force is what is referred to as motivation. The forces can be as a result of social, emotional r biological initiatives. Psychologists and researchers have come up with a number of theories to explain the sources of these types of motivation.
Instinct Theory of Motivation
Adherents to this theory insist that human beings are naturally programmed to follow their own dreams and/ or goals. In this case, human beings are likened to animals whose judgement is purely based on instinct. A typical example could be migration of birds which is an innate pattern. Every person is born with their own capability to do this. Human beings are born with similar instincts such as; anger, shame, fear and even sociability. This theory is one of the earliest theories of motivation. It was eliminated for the mere fact that it only described behaviour instead of following psychology suit and explaining it.
Drive Theory of Motivation
Apparently, people have unmet needs. These unmet needs cause a lot of tension in every human being driving them to an action that will transform the situation. For example, hunger and thirst will definitely push a person to search for food and water. The theory based its premise on the biological aspects only. It should be noted that not all motivations are driven by biological needs. This was the inception of criticisms of this theory. However, the theory is quite applicable and useful in almost all areas keeping in mind that every person is affected by biological needs.
Humanistic Theory of Motivation
This theory is also known as Abraham Maslow’s theory of motivation after the proposer. Abraham Maslow, a philosopher insisted that human beings perform actions due to various cognitive reasons. These reasons appear in stages or steps. He arranged needs in a pyramid with physiological needs occupying the lowest level. Apparently, human beings are motivated to accomplish or fulfil physiological needs. As such, all their actions are aimed towards meeting basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. After this has been fully accomplished, they are then pushed to search for other secondary needs. This is found on the second level of the pyramid. The process is repeated until one accomplishes the highest goal which is self actualisation. Maslow insisted that motivation is a factor of how well a need has been accomplished. It is impossible for one to accomplish a need higher in the pyramid before accomplishing the previous one.
Work Cited
Gray, Peter. Psychology. New York: Worth Publishers, 2011. Print.
