11 Types of Memory you have by default, according to psychology

By Aditya Shukla, Psychologist, Cognition Today, EdTech Consultant

Working Memory

Working memory temporarily stores incoming information and pulls previously learned information. Thinking happens in this memory, like mental math, remembering a phone number, grocery list, etc. It lasts a few minutes at a time

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Short-term Memory

Short-term memory is instantaneous memory of what you sensing - like reading the words in this paragraph and following through. It lasts up to 30 seconds on average. This memory lets as focus.

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Long-term Memory: Procedural memory

Procedural memory stores past learning in the form of processes, sequences, set of actions - memory for procedures. Cycling, swimming, writing, cooking, singing, music, etc. Muscle memory is usually refers to this.

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Long-term Memory: Semantic memory

Semantic memory is a type of long-term memory that stores information in the form of language & symbols. Concepts, definitions, facts, etc., are semantic memory units. This type of memory creates meaning.

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Long-term Memory: Episodic memory

Episodic memory captures holistic experiences with many different elements like visuals, context, sounds, emotions, conversations, etc. This memory stores hole events like memorable dates, vacations, fist time in a new city, etc.

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Long-term Memory: Autobiographical memory

Autobiographical memory is a self-centered memory that stores information relevant to oneself. It is highly subjective to others and has more interpretations. E.g., details of a fight that bothered you.

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Sensory memory

Our brain is adept at subconsciously storing sensory details like touch, smells, taste, sounds, etc. These components usually bind with long-term memory.

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Transactive memory

Transactive memory is a social memory of who might know what. Its stored as a reference point to what others might know and where you can find information. E.g., you might not know chemistry, but you can point toward a friend who would.

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