Memory types and their role in learning and cognition

Learning

Memory is an important construct of human brain which performs a significant role in each and every activity of life. It is interesting to mention that brain is also a muscle and its energy can be increased by using it. There are many tactics found in literature and everyday practises to sharpen memory skills. However, the most effective technique is to play games which appear interesting to the players and involve memory cells as well. Before planning any exercise to sharpen memory, it is helpful to understand the basic memory process and the types of memory.

This report is about types of memory and their use in the daily life of a human being. The types of memory are elaborated using the example of a game. It is commonly said that memory becomes weak when it is frequently switched from one task to another. In other words, multitasking reduces memory performance. The core significance of memory games lies in the fact that they keep the player involved and he cannot switch mind on to other tasks. Concentration is considered the biggest tool for memory improvement and this is the basic purpose of memory test and games as well.

Keeping in view the important role played by memory games, a game is chosen to discuss in this paper in the context of learning and psychology.

Concepts of Working Memory, Short-Term Memory, and Long-Term Memory

Memory is defined as the capability of brain to hold information in its cells. There is certain capacity of brain to hold information and the duration of holding this information also varies. Based on these two factors, there are three types of memory which are used by human beings in their functions and roles. The three types are working memory, short-term memory and long-term memory. Below is the description and differentiation of these three types.

As the terms show, short-term and long-term memories are opposite to each other and differentiate on grounds of duration of storage of event in brain. If an event lasts in the memory for short time, it is known as short-term memory. As soon as the background and context of event is over, it wipes out from the memory. Long-term memory, on the other hand, keeps the event in brain for longer time, sometimes for whole life (Dehn, 2010). The event is permanently recorded in the mind and is recalled off and on. Any matching object with that memory event triggers long-term memory cell and the event is recollected. Events in long-term memory are either significant or repeated over the period of time to get a permanent place in brain cells.

The short-term memory is flushed quickly and new information replaces the previous one. On the other hand, the long-term memory stays in brain cells for longer period. It develops person's knowledge bank and becomes part of personality. It is also known as development and reflects in behaviours and attitudes. The practices printed in long-term memory formulate habits as well.

It is broad daylight that the memory we use in our daily functions is more likely short-term memory. It is because we perform many functions and the brain in engaged on all of them turn by turn. We recall the method of that function and try to retain the instructions in memory. It is known as working memory. Working memory is a form of short-term memory (NCBI, 2009) which is used to perform a work.

The Selected Game and Memory Process

Memory Process is defined as the process of printing an event on the brain and then recalling it as and when required. There are three steps in memory press; encoding, storage and retrieval. Encoding is related to conversion of information into visual, acoustic or semantic code depending upon the type of event (Bernstein, 2010). After encoding, the information becomes part of brain, an activity known as storage. Retrieval refers to getting back to that information.

The role of encoding and retrieval is particularly important in memory test games. It is because; they determine the success or failure of the game. The memory tests are designed to brush up the brain skills and encoding helps the players to memorise the event. Efficient encoding makes retrieval easy and it is critically important to encode information in a manner which makes its storage and retrieval easy even after a long while.

Variables Related to Encoding and Retrieval

In this particular game, the player needs to memorise the random digits. The encoding will either be visual or semantic. The players can memorise the number by looking at the number again and again, so that he can develop some relationship between the digits. The later option is more applicable in this situation as the number of digits increase with every successful hit. A new digit is added to the same old number hence working memory sharpens to stay attentive and responsive.

If this game contained an image other than numbers, the visual encoding is better suggestion. It is because; the players will be able to record the picture in mind clearly. In case of alphabets and numbers, the semantics are supposed to be better encoding technique. It is difficult to remember the digits as they are displayed on the screen using visual sub-modality.

There can be many other variables affecting encoding, for example the type of personality. Few people are visual in nature; others are sensory while there are few who focus more on kinetics. Depending upon the selected sub-modality of a person, the information encoding takes place and manipulates the retrieval process.