Long-term memory

Definition

Long-term memory is a type of storage that holds vast amounts of information over extended periods, ranging from days to a lifetime. It plays a critical role in how we retain and recall information, allowing for the integration of new knowledge with existing experiences and concepts. Long-term memory can be further divided into explicit and implicit memory, influencing how we process language and understand discourse.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Long-term memory is capable of storing an immense quantity of information, including facts, skills, and experiences, potentially indefinitely.
2. It is divided into explicit (declarative) memory, which includes episodic and semantic memories, and implicit (non-declarative) memory, which includes skills and conditioned responses.
3. Information in long-term memory can be retrieved using retrieval cues, which can be anything from a related thought to a sensory experience.
4. The process of memory consolidation is vital for transferring memories from short-term to long-term storage, often occurring during sleep.
5. Factors such as emotion, repetition, and meaningful connections can enhance the encoding of information into long-term memory.

Review Questions

• How does long-term memory differ from short-term memory in terms of capacity and duration?
  • Long-term memory differs significantly from short-term memory in both capacity and duration. While short-term memory can only hold a small amount of information (around 7 items) for a brief period (15-30 seconds), long-term memory has virtually unlimited capacity and can store information for years or even a lifetime. This distinction highlights the importance of long-term memory in learning and retaining knowledge over time.
• Discuss the role of retrieval cues in accessing information stored in long-term memory.
  • Retrieval cues are essential for accessing information within long-term memory as they serve as prompts that facilitate recall. These cues can take various forms, such as related concepts, environmental contexts, or sensory inputs. The effectiveness of these cues often depends on how well they are associated with the original learning context; stronger associations typically lead to improved retrieval success.
• Evaluate the implications of understanding long-term memory for improving educational strategies.
  • Understanding long-term memory can significantly enhance educational strategies by informing how material should be presented for optimal retention. For instance, emphasizing meaningful connections between new information and existing knowledge can aid in encoding. Additionally, utilizing techniques like spaced repetition and retrieval practice can leverage the processes involved in memory consolidation and cue retrieval to improve students' ability to recall learned material over time.

Related terms

Short-term memory: A temporary storage system that holds a limited amount of information for a brief period, usually around 15 to 30 seconds.

Memory consolidation: The process by which newly acquired information is stabilized and integrated into long-term memory over time.

Retrieval cues: Stimuli or signals that help trigger the recall of stored information from long-term memory.