The popular perception among most people is that the memory has a distinct single function just like most of the body organs. For example, while it is known that hands are used for touching, it is expected that the memory also has a single function and acts as a unit to carry out the specific function. However, the memory comprises of dynamic functions as opposed to having a single function. This essay argues that the memory performs different functions by discussing the encoding, storage, and retrieval functions of the memory.
To begin with encoding, it is the process through which information is transmitted to the brain or the memory system. The sensory information is derived from the environment and the brain labels or codes it. According to May & Einstein (n.d), the memory usually organizes the information and relates it to similar information or links new concepts to existing ones. The process of encoding can either be automatic or effortful (May & Einstein, N.d). For instance, when someone is asked “Who is the president of the United States?” the answer will come out without having to think for a long time compared to a question such as “What color shirt was the lecturer wearing?”. Additionally, there are three types of encoding which include: semantic, visual, and acoustic encoding. Semantic encoding deals with words and their meanings. Visual encoding involves images while acoustic encoding deals with sounds. From the discussion on encoding, it is evident that the memory performs numerous tasks within the same process.
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In regard to storage, it is the process through which the encoded information has to be retained. Again, the storage function of the memory is split into two categories: short-term memory and long-term memory. The short-term memory is a temporary storage system that lasts for approximately 20 seconds (Robertson, 2012). Therefore, short-term memory deals with information that can be recalled within very short durations of time, usually at an instant. On the contrary, long-term memory stores information from a relatively longer period of time to very long durations. It is also vital to understand that information storage in long-term memory does not have limits (Robertson, 2012). However, it is also interesting to realize that the memory has a way of choosing which information to store. For example, the memory stores for a long time skills that are practiced and mastered. An example is when one learns to play a music instrument. Even when the person does not touch the instrument for a long time, he will still play it when an opportunity presents itself. Secondly, memory tends to store content that a person relates to. A prominent example is when somebody is asked about what he or she has eaten for lunch.
The last function of the memory is retrieval, which is the process of getting information from storage to conscious awareness (Lumen, 2018). It is one of the most crucial functions of the memory because it guides people’s daily functions. For example, people have to recall seemingly normal tasks such as brushing teeth, or finding where they place their files. It can, therefore, be asserted that without retrieval of information, people cannot do daily tasks. The world would be full of chaos because people would not recall important things and events. To sum it all, it is evident that the memory performs a myriad of functions, which must be coordinated to ensure that people live a normal life.
References
May, C. P., & Einstein, G. O. (N.d). A Five-Day Unit Lesson Plan for High School Psychology Teachers. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/topss/lessons/memory.pdf
Lumen. (2018). How Memory Functions: Introduction to Psychology. Courses.lumenlearning.com. Retrieved 26 July 2018, from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wsu-sandbox/chapter/how-memory-functions/
Robertson, L. T. (2012). Memory and the brain. Journal of Dental Education , 66 (1), 30-42. Retrieved from http://www.jdentaled.org/content/jde/66/1/30.full.pdf
