Question: what is memory

Tom Hartley answered on 22 Jun 2010:

Hi cake,

I would use a very broad definition of memory. How about this: “memory is a brain mechanism which enables us to behave differently as a result of previous experience”.

The most important thing to know about memory, is that there are lots of different kinds of memory and they work in different ways (using different parts of the brain)

i) We can remember how to do something (play a song on the piano, kick a football, perform a pirouette). This normally takes practice. It’s called procedural memory.
ii) We can remember facts, and meanings (which animal barks?, what is the capital of France). This is semantic memory
iii) We can remember events and situations we’ve experienced. We often remember the whole situation in rich detail, without really trying; where we were, when it was, who was with us, what colour the wallpaper was. Some people say its almost like travelling back in time (not for me). This is episodic memory.
iv) We can remember snippets of information for a short period of time (for example remembering a telephone number), and do things with it (e.g., place the numbers in reverse order). This is called Working Memory.