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Memory Facts & Worksheets

The ability of the mind to encode, store, and retrieve material or knowledge when necessary is known as memory. It is the process of holding onto knowledge over time in order to influence future behavior.

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The ability of the mind to encode, store, and retrieve material or knowledge when necessary is known as memory. It is the process of holding onto knowledge over time in order to influence future behavior.

See the fact file below for more information on Memory, or you can download our 23-page Memory worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

DEFINITION

  • Memory is frequently viewed in popular culture as some sort of tangible substance that is physically preserved in the brain – an individual, subjective experience that we may recall at will.
  • In modern psychology, the ability to encode, store, and retrieve information is referred to as memory. Three key kinds of memory have been identified by psychologists: sensory, short-term, and long-term. 
  • Each of these types of memory has unique properties, such as sensory memory being uncontrollable, short-term memory having a limited capacity, and long-term memory has an infinite capacity.

HOW ARE MEMORIES FORMED?

  • Encoding transforms data into a form that can be stored as memory, which is necessary for the creation of new memories. The information must be kept in memory for future use after it has been successfully encoded.
  • Researchers have thought that alterations in brain neurons cause memories to form (nerve cells). Currently, we know that memories are made through the connections that already exist between these neurons, either by fortifying these connections or by the development of new connections.
  • For this reason, studying and practicing material helps with memory. The synapses that store that memory become more connected with the practice.

TYPES OF MEMORY: SENSORY

  • The initial stage of memory is sensory memory. During this stage, sensory information from the environment is only temporarily maintained; typically, visual information is only retained for a half-second, while auditory information is retained for three to four seconds.
  • A good example of sensory memory is the ability to memorize an object’s appearance after only a brief moment of observation. It is an instinctive reaction that is independent of cognitive control.
  • There are three categories of sensory memory:
    • An image that has been viewed for a brief time is temporarily stored as an iconic memory, a sort of sensory memory with quick decaying visual information storage. 
    • Auditory memory, known as echoic memory, is a sensory memory that temporarily preserves sounds that have only been heard briefly. 
    • A particular kind of sensory memory called haptic memory serves as a database for touch sensations.

TYPES OF MEMORY: SHORT-TERM

  • The knowledge we are currently aware of or thinking about is stored in short-term memory, commonly called active memory. 
  • This memory would be referred to as the “conscious mind” in Freudian psychology. Short-term memory is informed by paying attention to sensory memories.
  • Short-term memory has three important aspects:
  • Limited capacity – about 7 items can be stored at a time.
  • Limited duration – Information might be lost due to distraction or the passing of time because storage is so fragile.
  • Encoding – primarily acoustic, and it also translates visual information into sounds. 
  • Short-term memory is thought to store information primarily in an auditory code, and to a lesser extent, in a visual code.

TYPES OF MEMORY: LONG-TERM

  • Information is continuously stored in long-term memory. Long-term memory would be called the preconscious and unconscious in Freudian psychology.
  • Although most of this knowledge is not conscious, it can be changed to working memory and used as needed. While some memories are simple to access, others are far more challenging.
  • Additionally, it has the capacity to store data for considerable periods of time—possibly for a lifetime. For instance, when presented with a random seven-digit number, one may only be able to recall it for a brief period of time before losing it, indicating that it was only temporarily preserved. 
  • On the other hand, repeated exposure to a phone number can help a person remember it for a long time; this is known as long-term memory.

WHY DO WE FORGET?

  • There are four primary reasons why forgetting happens:
    • Inability to retain a memory
    • Interference
    • Inspirational forgetting
    • Retrieval failure
  • Time is a crucial aspect that affects memory loss, according to research. For instance, if people do not actively study and rehearse the material, it is frequently easily forgotten.
  • Information can occasionally just be forgotten, but in other instances, it may have never been properly kept, to begin with. It can be challenging to recall particular facts since some memories compete with one another. 
  • In other cases, people consciously work to block out memories of things they don’t want to recall.

MEMORY-RELATED ILLNESSES: DEMENTIA

  • Our memories also face certain illnesses. Some may have been due to our poor lifestyle, some to genetics, and some to accidents and prior diseases.
  • Dementia: 
    • Alzheimer’s Disease – is a brain disorder that gradually impairs thinking and memory abilities, including the capacity to do the most basic tasks.
    • Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) – is characterized by aberrant accumulations of the protein alpha-synuclein in the brain. The chemicals in the brain are impacted by these deposits, known as Lewy bodies, and these modifications can result in issues with thought, movement, behavior, and mood.
    • Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) – Neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain are damaged in frontotemporal dementia. Many symptoms, such as strange behaviors, emotional issues, communication difficulties, difficulties at work, or difficulties walking, are possible outcomes.
    • HIV Dementia – As the HIV infection invades the brain, HIV-associated dementia develops. Memory loss, trouble thinking, concentrating, or speaking coherently, a lack of interest in activities, and a slow decline in motor skills are signs of HIV-associated dementia.
  • Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) – occurs between a normal aging-related decrease in memory and thinking and a more severe dementia-related decline. Problems with memory, language, or judgment may be a symptom of MCI. MCI sufferers could become aware that their memory or other mental abilities have “slipped.”
  • Dementia-related to Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) – Despite being rare, NPH may be a curable form of dementia. 40% to 50% of patients will function better after shunting. Dementia with minor memory loss, apathy, an ataxic stride, and urine hesitancy or incontinence are the signs of NPH.
  • Vascular Dementia – Memory, cognitive, and behavioral abnormalities brought on by ailments that impact the blood arteries in the brain are known as vascular dementia. Size, location, and the number of vascular alterations can have a major impact on cognition and brain function.

MEMORY-RELATED ILLNESSES: AMNESIA

  • Korsakoff’s Syndrome – A vitamin B1 deficiency-related memory impairment called Korsakoff syndrome is linked to alcoholism. The memory-related area of the brain as well as supporting cells and nerve cells are all harmed by Korsakoff’s syndrome.
  • Transient Global Amnesia (TGA) – This uncommon medical disease causes a sudden episode of memory loss. 
    • Anterograde amnesia: which prevents you from making new memories during a TGA episode, 
    • Retrograde amnesia: makes it difficult for you to recall previous events

Memory Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Memory across 23 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Memory. The ability of the mind to encode, store, and retrieve material or knowledge when necessary is known as memory. It is the process of holding onto knowledge over time in order to influence future behavior.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Memory Facts
  2. The Memory Process
  3. The First Movie
  4. Visual Memories
  5. Remembering What I Hear
  6. Relating with Memory
  7. Puzzled Memory
  8. Synonymous Puzzle
  9. Long-Term Memory
  10. How to Improve Memory
  11. Group Memory Games

Frequently Asked Questions

What is memory?

Memory refers to the cognitive process of encoding, storing, and retrieving information over time. It involves the ability to retain and recall past experiences, knowledge, skills, and perceptions.

How does memory work?

Memory involves three main processes: encoding, storage, and retrieval. Encoding refers to the process of transforming sensory information into a form that can be stored in memory. Storage involves maintaining the encoded information over time. Retrieval involves accessing stored information when needed.

What are the different types of memory?

There are several types of memory, including sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Sensory memory refers to the initial stage of memory where sensory information is briefly stored. Short-term memory, also known as working memory, is where information is held temporarily for immediate use. Long-term memory refers to the storage of information over an extended period, which can be further divided into explicit or declarative memory (memory for facts and events) and implicit or procedural memory (memory for skills and habits).

How can we improve our memory?

There are several ways to improve memory, including using mnemonic techniques, practicing retrieval, getting enough sleep, managing stress, staying physically active, and eating a healthy diet. Engaging in mental exercises such as puzzles and memory games can also improve memory.

Can memory be improved as we age?

While some aspects of memory decline with age, such as processing speed and working memory capacity, other aspects of memory can be improved through practice and training. Research has shown that engaging in mentally stimulating activities and exercising regularly can improve cognitive function and delay age-related cognitive decline.

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Link will appear as Memory Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, April 27, 2023

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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