The Memory Process. This paper will describe a memory test using numbers, letters, and words and analyze results of the test, as well as explain the concepts of working memory, short term memory, and long term memory.

Concepts of Short Term Memory

Short-term memory is a type of memory that is restricted in its capacity and length of time. In studies, it has been shown that short term memory holds between five to seven things, for a few seconds without the presence of rehearsal. As a result, for information to be sent to long term memory, an individual must retain the information for a minimum of half a minute. Existing memories are successful in sensory excellence, for instance texture, sound, and color. Moreover, certain intentional attributes have been accepted into short-term memory, which makes a distinction from long-term memory. In general, transfers to long-term memory, vulnerability to forgetting, restricted periods, inadequate capacity, and acoustic encoding are some of the characteristics accredited to short-term memory (Terry, 2009).

Long Term Memory

The continual storage of information is referred to as long term memory. Long term memory is typified as concerning semantic encoding, in particular, recalling the definition or understanding of a word as opposed to the literal word (Terry, 2009). Long term memory is concerned with the information that lies outside of the conscious mind that may be recalled by the working memory when needed. Although some of the information is easily recalled, while other information is more difficult to recover.

Selected Memory Test

I found a memory test that used random numbers, random letters, and words to test memory. The website stated that “the average person's short-term memory can hold about 7 pieces of information” (Braingle, 1999-2012). The purpose of this test is to determine my short term memory limit. The website gives information on how to use different techniques to train your brain to better remember more information in the short term memory. One such technique is known as chunking. With this technique you take smaller objects and group them into larger objects so they can be more easily remembered (Braingle, 1999-2012).

        The test itself began by clicking a button to reveal three numbers or letters, depending on which test you are taking. I chose to do the letters test. You are given 10 seconds to remember the list. The next screen pops up and gives you the opportunity to enter the three letters. This process continues for as many sequences you can make it through. The purpose was to go through consecutively recalling the letters. I was able to recall 11 letters consecutively. When I attempted the next level and failed, it dropped back down a level. Consequently, each time I inaccurately recalled the series of letters, I had to drop down one level. As a result, after reaching 11 letters and again failed at 12. Regrettably, I was unsuccessful on my second attempt with the series of 12 letters. Then the sequence of letters dropped down to 11.

 I was frustrated that I just could not remember anymore letters than I did. I decided to rest my eyes and try again in a few minutes. I still could only remember 11 letters. I then began to read the information on the website. My stress lessoned when I realized that my memory was pretty good given that the average person can store 7 items into short term memory and I was able to store 11. I think what helped me remember more was the information I read on chunking (Braingle, 1999-2012).  

The Role of Encoding

The role of encoding is to acquire information. This is the preliminary structure of memory (Terry, 2009). In the memory test I took online; encoding was used as I recalled the letters from using the chunking technique. I found in easier to remember the letters if I saw them as smaller groupings instead of on large group. For example, the letters that appeared when I was on 11 were: XDOKLJNWQNF. I pictured them in my mind as such: XDO-KLJ-NWQ-N-F. I did the last one like that because I remembered it as “enough” or N-F. After taking the letters test, I began thinking of how well chunking works with numbers. We use this with social security numbers as well as telephone numbers and even birthdays. If a familiar number like a birthday is seen as an address, it will be easier to remember the address because those particular numbers are common even though the place may not be.

Conclusion

In sum, short term and long term memory are thought to have a different set of characteristics, which are unique. Short term memory is as simple as its name, short. It only lasts for up to 30 seconds without rehearsal. With rehearsal, these items have a greater possibility of being transferred to long term memory, which last much longer. Short term memory has a restricted capacity, while long term memory is likely to be nearly immeasurable in volume. On average, people have the capacity to store 7 pieces of information in their short term memory and in their long term memory it is possible to store several groups of information.

References

Braingle. (1999-2012). Memory Tests Using Letters. Retrieved from http://braingle.com/mind/test_letters.php

Terry, W. S. (2009). Learning & Memory: Basic Principles, Processes and Procedures (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn&Bacon