What distinguishes sensory, short-term/working, and long-term memories?
● Sensory memory is the brief, initial encoding of iconic (visual) and echoic (sound) information in the memory system. Short-term/working memory contains information you are consciously aware of before it is stored more permanently or forgotten. Long-term memory is the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system. Memories are stored in the brain through long-term potentiation.
● Stress hormones tell your body that something significant is happening, triggering biological changes that enhance memories. Explicit memories—recall of facts and experiences— are processed through the hippocampus. Implicit memories—recall of skills and procedures—are processed through the cerebellum.
