concepts

Short-Term Memory (STM)

Holds a small amount of information for a few seconds to a minute. Limited capacity (~7±2 items).

Working Memory

A form of short-term memory that involves active manipulation of information. Key for reasoning, mental math, and conversation. Central executive + phonological loop + visuospatial sketchpad (Baddeley’s model).

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

Divided into explicit (declarative) and implicit (non-declarative) memory

Long term explicit (Declarative) Memory

Conscious recollection of facts and events. Includes episodic and semantic memory

Episodic Memory

personal experiences tied to time/place (e.g., your birthday party).

Semantic memory

general knowledge (e.g., capital of France).

Long term Implicit (Non-Declarative) Memory

Unconscious learning and performance. Includes procedural memory, priming, and classical conditioning

Procedural memory

skills and habits

Priming

exposure to a stimulus affects later response

Classical Conditioning

learning associations between stimuli

Sensory Memory

Brief storage of raw sensory input (milliseconds to 2 seconds). Includes iconic and echoic memory. Acts as a buffer before STM

Iconic memory

A type of sensory memory that briefly holds visual information for about 0.5 to 1 second. It allows the brain to process a complete image before it's replaced, supporting visual continuity and perception.

Echoic memory

A type of sensory memory for auditory information, lasting 2 to 4 seconds. It enables the brain to process spoken language and sounds even after they’ve faded, essential for conversation and comprehension.

Central executive

Acts as the control system of working memory. It directs attention, coordinates the subsystems, and manages task-switching, decision-making, and integration of new and stored information without storing it itself.

Phonological loop

Handles verbal and auditory information. Consists of a phonological store ("inner ear") and articulatory rehearsal process ("inner voice"). Crucial for remembering words, numbers, and following spoken instructions.

Visuospatial Sketchpad

Manages visual and spatial information. It allows mental manipulation of images, maps, and layouts ("mind's eye") and helps with tasks like navigating, drawing, or remembering visual patterns and locations.

Episodic Buffer

Integrates information from the phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, and long-term memory into a coherent sequence. It provides a multimodal workspace, supporting conscious awareness and episodic memory recall.