Types of human memory

Memory is the most important cognitive function that fulfills the connecting role between the past, the present and the future of the subject. In fact, it is a process of capturing, preserving and subsequently reproducing the events of the past. There are several basic classifications of memory types based on different bases.

Types of memory, depending on the time of storage of information

Memory, the types of which are divided according to the information storage time , is represented by the following classification: short-term, instantaneous, long-term, operational and genetic.

The simplest is instantaneous memory. It allows you to store information only in the course of its perception.

The next type of long-term storage of information is short-term memory. It allows you to save data for a relatively short time, about 30-40 seconds from the time you receive it. You can estimate this type of memory by the volume, for example, the maximum number of images, objects or symbols that a person can reproduce for a minute from the moment of memorization. The volume of short-term memory averages up to 10 data units. This kind of remembering is also characteristic of such a concept as "substitution." This property manifests itself when the amount of data is overflowed, and consists in the fact that the new information replaces the old information, without removing it from the depths of memory.

The operational version is aimed at saving data at a pre-determined time. At the end of the specified period, the data from the main memory is forgotten. Most often this period lasts from several minutes to several days.

This is followed by such important types of memory as long-term and genetic. Long-term allows you to save information for a long time. The data stored in it can be played repeatedly, but it is necessary to exert effort of will and start the process of thinking. This type of memory allows a person to recall previously received information and use it. Long-term memory is considered the main kind in human life, since it is used most often. Genetic memory includes those data that are transmitted and reproduced by inheritance and stored in the human genotype.

Types of memory according to the organs of the senses involved

According to this criterion, these types of memory are distinguished : auditory, visual, motor, olfactory, tactile, tasteful and emotional.

The most developed is considered visual memory. It allows you to save and reproduce data in the form of a certain visual image.

Hearing memory remembers data that comes through hearing. This includes music, speech, etc.

Motor or so-called motor memory allows you to memorize various movements. This type is prevalent in athletes and people who are engaged in physical activity.

The tactile type of memory is based on remembering the sensations that arise when one feels a particular object. Such memory often functions together with the visual variety, which allows you to recreate the most accurate image of the object.

Olfactory memory is present in humans from the moment of birth and is associated with various odors. It develops throughout life.

Taste memory is responsible for the taste of foods. This type is maximally developed in tasters, cooks, confectioners and other people, who in one way or another are associated with cooking.

Emotional types of memory allow you to store impressions that result from certain emotional experiences. The more vivid the emotion, the more information a person has and vice versa.

All types of memory presented here are an indispensable attribute of human life and contribute to the continuous development of the personality of the subject.