Long Term Memory 

Long-term memory has a virtually unlimited capacity (at least we cannot identify it's total cacity).

Many people believe that long-term memory has a duration of forever.

Long-term memory may contain any past sensroy material.
 



The duration and stability of long term memory has undergone much debate.  Some authors suggest that once information is placed in long term memory it remains unchanged forever.  This group argues that when a piece of information cannot be retrieved, it is because it has been "misfiled" or otherwise temporarily misplaced.  Research on patients undergoing brain surgery appeared to support this view by provoking retrievel of memories that had been forgotten.  However, this research has since been called into question. It may be that these recalled memories, induced by surgeons, are actually created memories.  Research into false memory syndrome indicates that  such memories may be created. This does not mean all recalled memories are false, but may mean that not all are real.



Operation of Long Term Memory

1) Effort necessary to move material from short to long term memory.  Teachers can aid students by assisting them in this process rather than assuming that some change will occur.

2) Access and retrieval requires time and effort.  Students who are struggling to access prerequisite information are not likely to be able to learn new information as easily.  This supports the notion that early learning should be "overlearned" so that little effort is required to recall.  An example are multiplication tables.  If an algebra student is investing energy in recalling basic math facts, they will not have as much extra brain resource to dedicate to new leraning.

3) Stimuli coded verbally and visually is the easiest to recall.  This may be a reason that the medical school axiom, "See one, Do one, Teach one" is such a good approach to learning. With this approach, information is coded visually (see one), kinesthetically (do one) and verbally (teach one).



There are 3 types of long term memory.

1) Semantic: memories in this category are constructed around the meaning of some stimuli.  Thus, the knowledge of a fir tree decorated with ornaments as a christmas tree is semantic.

2) Episodic: these memories are tied to a particular place and time.  Thus, a fir tree that is decorated  such that it reminds us of a christmas tree from our childhood is an episodic memory.

3) Procedural: this category of memories is related to how things are done.  Thus, remembering that the christmas tree lights go on before the ornaments is procedural.
 


 

 

Return Home