How does memory work in the brain?

Human memory is one of the most puzzling mysteries of science. Neuroscientists and psychologists have suggested many theories for its mechanism, but substantiating these theories with concrete evidence is difficult. How do our brains enable us to remember?

Our brain cements memories in by encoding

The first step in creating memories is encoding them into the brain.

We remember through Processing

Processing information in different ways alters the way they are stored in the brain.

We remember through Visual Encoding

Visualizing or seeing information can aid in a persons' encoding and recall.

We remember through Acoustic Encoding

Auditory stimuli are a common method of encoding memories.

We remember through Semantic encoding

Deeper understanding is the most effective way to remember information.

Memories are stored in multiple levels

We store memories in multiple storage levels.

We store memory in our sensory memory

Sensory memory is a very brief storing of sensory information.

We store memory in our working memory

When information is received by the brain, it is stored in our working memory for a moderate time period before becoming ingrained long-term.

We store memory in our long term memory

Long term memory is the ultimate destination in the brain for information that needs to be recalled and accessed for extended periods of time.

One of the most complicated memory processes is retrieval

Perhaps the most relevant aspect of memory to our daily lives is remembering information.

The memory process of Retrieval

Our brain accesses the information we have stored through retrieval.

Forgetting as a memory process

Unfortunately, memories don't stay forever, and when our brain can no longer store them we forget information.

Improving memory

Recalling and utilizing information is crucial to our lives, and many strategies can help improve memory storage and recall.

Emotions and memory have an intricate connection

Emotions can play a powerful role in memory formation and retrieval.

Flashbulb memories

Flashbulb memories are an example of an emotional experience effecting memory systems.

Memory is strongly effected by our senses

Our senses, especially smell, can greatly influence our memories.

Smell and memory

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This page was last edited on Monday, 16 Nov 2020 at 08:22 UTC