Short Term Memory

Short-Term Memory(STM)


STM is characterized by:


  • Capability such that only seven pieces of independent information can be stored
  • A brief duration of these items last from 3 to 20 seconds.
  • Decay appears to be the primary mechanism of memory loss.
After entering sensory memory, a limited amount of information is transferred into short-term memory. In STM, there are three basic operations:
  • Iconic memory - Store visual images.
  • Acoustic memory - Store sounds. Acoustic memory can be held longer than iconic memory.
  • Working memory - Any information stored until used (think of a phone number you'll repeat to yourself until you can dial it on the phone). 


Note that the goal is not really to move the information from STM to LTM, but merely put the information to immediate use. Transferring information from STM to LTM requires encoding or consolidation of information. This is not a function of time, that is, the longer a memory stayed in STM, the more likely it was to be placed into LTM; but on organizing complex information in STM before it can be encoded into LTM. While organizing, there are many aspects that will be considered for the retention of the information in LTM, like the meaningfulness or emotion of the content. As instructional designers, we must find ways to make learning relevant and meaningful enough to make the important transfer of information to long-term memory. The use of chunking has been proven to be a significant aid for enhancing the STM transfer to LTM. Chunking allows the brain to automatically group certain items together, hence the ability to remember and learn better.




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Tags: Short Term Memory, Log term memory, How brain store the information, brain, memory, chunking, improve memory, improve memory power, Experiments on rats, lesion