Introduction to Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Introduction to Psychology - Essay Example This is the essence of implicit memory, namely that it is memory that doesn’t have to be consciously recalled but is immediately available to the thinker. Conversely, explicit memory is an aspect of memory that must be actively engaged. For instance, if one were to attempt to recall what they ate for breakfast or what they did for their twentieth birthday they would have to implement explicit memory, as this is not readily available to the thinker. In addition to explicit and implicit memory, there is also declarative and procedural memory. When considering these aspects of memory, it’s necessary to consider them in relation to the previously articulated concepts of implicit and explicit memory. For instance, declarative memory is memory that is both implicit and explicit in that it contains memories of facts or events. Conversely, procedural memory is understood as memory that is of specific actions or skills. For instance, one the ability to roller skate or to play th e piano are procedural skills that are learned and then added to one’s procedural memory bank. Upon acting out these skills one is then implementing their procedural memory. Within this context of memory it’s noted that it is difficult to recall the declarative aspects of the action. Therefore, the actions are referred to as an aspect of knowledge compilation, such that procedural memories are grouped within this segment of understanding. 2. Define and explain the difference between short-term and long-term memory. In further articulating the nature of memory, researchers have distinguished between both short and long term memory patterns. Related to the concept of short term memory is what scientists refer to as iconic memory. Iconic memory functions by allowing individuals to view a series of images and for a short period of time recollect them in the mind. While iconic memory refers to aspect of short term memory, scientists have also distinguished a category of mem ory called short-term memory. Short-term memory has been articulated not as a particular aspect of the mind that stores memories for a limited period, but rather the function of an individual focusing their cognitive mental energies on a specific icon or memory as a means of recalling it for a short period of time. Within short term memory there are then designated means of recollection. These include rehearsal and chunking techniques that function to allow the individual to focus their cognitive energy in a way that allows them to more remember the information. As there is short term memory, there also exists long-term memory on the opposite end of the spectrum. Within long-term memory is the body of knowledge that individuals ultimately associate with memory, as it is this body of knowledge that is recalled from an individual’s past experiences. In differentiating long-term from short-term memory the main distinguishing element is the nature of the memories storage (Jalomb 2000). In these regards, one can argue that short and long-term memory are not even the same thing, but entirely different mental processes. As described, short-term memory does not consist of a mental storage base, but is rather described as concentrated cognitive mental processing. Conversely, long-term memory actually contains elements of mental storage of which the individual then must implement their implicit or explicit