Memory: classification of memory and the types of

Memory is a mental process, which consists in securing, storing and the subsequent reproduction of information. With these operations preserve the human experience.

History of research

The First study of memory began in ancient times and was associated with the learning process. In Ancient Greece, for example, it was customary to assume that the information gets into a person's head in the form of specific material particles, leaving imprints on the soft matter of the brain, like the clay or the wax.

Subsequently, the author of “hydraulic” models of the nervous system, R. Descartes formulates the idea that the regular application of the same nerve fibers (hollow tubes, according to Descartes) reduces their resistance movement "vital spirits" (due to stretching). This, in turn, leads to the formation of memory.

In the 80-ies of the 19th century, Ebbinghaus proposes her own method of studying the laws of the so-called clean memory. The reception was memorizing meaningless syllables. As a result, memorizing curves, and certain patterns of action mechanisms of the Association. For example, it was found that particularly well remembered the events that made the person a strong impression. This information is stored immediately and permanently. In contrast, less important data (even if they are more complex in their content) in memory, as a rule, not permanently saved. Thus, Ebbinghaus first applies to the study of memory experimental method.

Recommended

"Knowledge is light and ignorance is darkness": the value, meaning and alternatives

There are some sayings that would seem to need no explanation, such as “teaching & ndash; light and ignorance – darkness”. But some still do not understand their meaning. But not only for such people is written by our article. I...

What was invented by Mendeleev for the army. The history and fate of the invention

D. I. Mendeleev was a brilliant Russian scientist-polymath, who made many important discoveries in various fields of science and technology. Many people know that he is the author of “Fundamentals of chemistry" and the periodic law of chem...

The origin of the Slavs. The influence of different cultures

Slavs (under this name), according to some researchers, appeared in the story only in 6 century ad. However, the language of nationality bears the archaic features of the Indo-European community. This, in turn, suggests that the origin of the Slavs h...

Since the late 19th century and the process of memory trying to interpret by analogy with the operation of such mechanical devices, such as telephone, tape recorder, electronic computer, etc. If we draw an analogy with modern technology, here is a classification of computer memory.

In the modern scientific school in the analysis of the mechanisms of remembering are used of a biological analogy. For example, some types of memory are attributed to molecular basis: the process of capturing the information is accompanied by increase of content in the neurons of the brain nucleic acids.

Classification of memory

Psychology is based on the following criteria in the selection of types of memory:

1. The nature of the prevailing mental aktivnosti:

• Dvigatelya,
• Obraznaya,
• Emocjonalna,
• Sloveno-logicheskaya.

2. The nature of the activity goals:

• Arbitrary
• Involuntary.

3. The duration of the fixation/preservation of the material:

• Short
• Long-term
• Operational.

4. Use mnemotechnical means:

• Immediate
• Mediated.

Character predominant in the activities of mental activity

Despite the fact that all kinds of memory corresponding to this criterion do not exist in isolation, but work closely together, Blonsky has revealed the specific character of each of the types:

• Motor (motor) memory. Classification of memory in this case focused on the prevalence of particular movements. For example, this view is fundamental in the formation of practical skills and motor activities (walking, running, writing, etc.). Otherwise, when the implementation of a motor act we had all the time to learn it again. There is a certain established part of data skills (for example, each of us has his handwriting style to shake hands for greeting, manner using Cutlery, etc.) and changeable (as defined deflection movements, depending on the situation).
• Shaped memory. Classification of memory focused on memorizing terms leading modality (visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, tactile). The information perceived previously, after the formation of the image memory is reproduced in the form of representations. Specific properties of representations is their fragmentation, and the vagueness and instability. Accordingly, a reproduced memory image may greatly differ from its original.
• Emotional memory. Manifested in the process of remembering and reproducing emotions. Is extremely important in the mental activities of the individual, as emotion is primarily a status signal of our needs and interests, the relationship we have with the outside world. The feelings experienced by us in the past and enshrined in memory are subsequently for us as drivers/antibodiesa to those or other actions. In this case, as in the previous form, played in the memory of the feelings may differ from their original source (depending on the change of the nature, content and strength of a certain experience).
• Verbal-logical memory. Aimed at remembering the thoughts of the individual (reflections about reading books, the content of the conversation with friends, etc.). At the same time the function of thought is impossible without the participation of language forms – hence the name: verbal-logical memory. Classification of memory, therefore, includes two subspecies: when it is necessaryremember only the meaning of the material without exact reproduction of the accompanying verbal expression; it is also necessary when the literal verbal expression of certain thoughts.

Character's goals and activities

• Arbitrary memory. Accompanied by active participation of the will in the process of remembering, securing and reproduction of certain information.
• Involuntary memory. The flow of the basic mechanisms of memory takes place without volitional effort, automatically. While the power of memory involuntary memory may be weaker and, conversely, more resistant to arbitrary.

The duration of the fixation/preservation

Major classifications of memory, as a rule, always include a time criterion.

• Short-term memory. Saves information after the cessation of perception (the effect on the senses of appropriate incentives) for about 25-30 seconds.
• Long-term memory. Is the dominant form of remembering for the individual, designed to store information over a long period. However, this information is repeatedly used.
• RAM. Aimed at storing specific information within a solution appropriate for the current task. Actually, this challenge determines the specificity of memory in a given situation. Classification of memory is also associated with a temporal criterion. Depending on the conditions of the problem being solved storing time information in memory can vary from several seconds to several days.

Using mnemotechnical tools

• Direct memory. Classification of memory in this case is carried out from the point of view of presence/absence of certain auxiliary techniques. With the direct view of the memorizing process is the direct impact of perceived material on the senses of the individual.
• Mediated memory. By using individual special tools and techniques in the process of memorization and reproduction of material.

Thus, between the information and its imprint in memory uses additional link. As these links there may be special marks, nodules, Cribs, etc.