Storage in human memory

Memory storage is the process of retaining information in memory. But not all info0rmation becomes an enduring or long term memory.

Atkinson and Shiffrin in 1971 proposed that memory is made up of three information stores.
*Sensory memory
*Short term memory
*Long term memory

Incoming information from sensory elements is placed into sensory storage for a brief period.

The apparent function of sensory memory is to retain a record of the sensory event long enough for perceptual mechanisms. It preserves information in its original sensory form for a brief time, usually only a fraction of a second. It is stored in the human brain at closely linked neuronal cells.

Sensory information such as scene, sound, touch, and smell received by receptors for temporary storage in sensory registers.

If the sensory information is deemed to be important, the store gate acts as a trigger and instruct the memory stacks to permanently store the information. Several facts about short-term memory can be established. 

Short term memory also called the working memory. The information from sensory subsystem is sent to the working memory.

Working memory has a limited capacity. About five to nine items can be stored in the working memory. It can maintain unrehearsed information for up to about 20 seconds.

The third stage on the information storage sequence is usually referred to a long term memory. Information items are expected to be stored permanently or for a relatively long time.

Unlike sensory and short term memory, which decay rapidly, long term memory can store information indefinitely.
Storage in human memory

Short term memory

Short term memory is of quite limited capacity and is used to hold information in consciousness for immediate use.

Short term memory has been named working memory. It can hold a limited amount of information less than ten items for a limited period of time around 2 to 30 seconds.

It has been convincingly shown that the short term memory capacity determines the general cognitive ability levels.

To extend the time that the information is stored in the short term memory, the performer would have to rehearse the information, through imaginary or sub-verbal repetition.

Short term memory also act as an information processing unit responsible for the manipulation of symbols during problem solving and other types of cognitive activity.

The primary function of short term memory is to allow people to perform mental work such as calculating a sums or remembering a telephone number until they can either dial it or write it down.
Short term memory