Memories come in many different forms. There is much that researchers do not understand about human memory and how it works. Show
This article explores the types of memory and what a person can do to improve their recall. Share on PinterestGetty Images There are many theories about the types of memory within the human brain. Most scientists believe there are at least four general types of memory:
Some researchers suggest these are not distinct types of memory, but rather stages of memory. In this view, memory begins in sensory memory, transitions to short-term memory, and then may move to long-term memory. A memory a person uses only for a brief time, such as a word they use at the beginning of a sentence, is a part of working memory and may never move to another part of memory. Some brain scientists divide these types of memory into more specific categories. Sensory memory holds sensory information for very brief periods of time, usually 1 second or less. The processing of memories and other information begins in this type of memory. If a person pays attention to sensory input, then the information may move into short-term and then long-term memory. Some examples of sensory memory include:
Sensory memory helps a person piece together a sense of the world based on recent sights, sounds, and other sensory experiences. When a specific sensory experience becomes relevant, such as the smell of something in the kitchen, it may move to other types of memory. Otherwise, sensory memories are very short-term, and a person quickly forgets them. For example, a person will not recall all the specific sounds they heard in the last 30 seconds, 30 minutes, or 30 days unless there is some reason to remember them. Short-term memory allows a person to recall a limited string of information for a short period. These memories disappear quickly, after about 30 seconds. Short-term memory is not just memory that does not last long. Instead, it is a type of short-lived storage that can only hold a few pieces of information. Some examples of short-term memory include:
Working memory is similar to short-term memory. However, unlike the latter, working memory is where a person manipulates information. This helps them remember details of their current task. Some behaviors that use working memory include:
While researchers typically separate working and short-term memory into two different categories, research often finds a significant overlap between the two. Long-term memory stores a wide range of memories and experiences. Most memories that people recall, especially those older than about 30 seconds, are part of long-term memory. Many researchers divide long-term memory into two subcategories: implicit and explicit. Explicit long-term memoryExplicit memories are conscious memories of events, autobiographical facts, or things a person learns. Some types of explicit long-term memory include the following. Episodic memoryThese are memories of events or autobiographical facts. Examples of episodic memory include remembering an election, events from childhood, and personal facts, such as if someone is married. Semantic memorySemantic memories are general knowledge about the world. A person may remember a fact or event that they did not experience because they learned or studied it. For instance, knowing what the human heart looks like is an example of semantic memory. However, it would be an episodic memory if the person can remember dissecting a pig heart in school. Implicit long-term memoryImplicit memories are memories that influence a person’s behavior. However, people do not consciously think about them. Some types of this memory include the following. Procedural memoryProcedural memory helps a person perform familiar tasks, such as walking or driving. At first, they might have to learn to do these things and remember specific skills, but eventually, these tasks become an automatic part of procedural memory. PrimingPriming occurs when experiences influence a person’s behavior. For example, a smoker might crave a cigarette after a meal, or an experimenter might train a person to press a button in response to a photo. Classical and operant conditioning both prime people or animals to perform specific behaviors in response to certain experiences. Working, sensory, and short-term memory have smaller capacities. This is because these types of memories only last for a short period. With short-term memory, there is usually a specific limit on how much information a person can retain — usually about seven items. Some people could increase their short-term memory capacity with practice. The brain is not a computer, and memories do not take up physical space. In theory, there is no specific limit on the capacity of long-term memory. However, the quality of memories and their details may vary and change with time. Memories may be unreliableThe brain does not record memories perfectly, so memories may change or disappear with time. Numerous studies suggest that memories are not reliable, even when a person remembers something very clearly. In one 2015 study, researchers were able in just a few hours to convince innocent people they had committed serious crimes, such as assault with a weapon, in their teenage years. Can someone have a photographic memory?Some people have unusually good memories. People with hyperthymesia, an extraordinarily rare condition, may remember all or most autobiographical memories. Others may practice memory skills to become better at memorizing information or recalling strings of words or numbers. There is no scientific evidence anyone has a so-called photographic memory. The brain is not a camera and cannot perfectly record information. Some strategies for improving memory include:
The memory is a complex system, not a single organ or process. A person may improve their memory by adopting a healthful lifestyle and practicing strategies specifically designed to promote recall. People concerned about their memory should see a doctor, as any unexplained changes could signal a range of medical conditions.
Also Called: Rapid cycle improvement, PDCA (plan-do-check-act) What is PDSA? PDSA, or Plan-Do-Study-Act, is an iterative, four-stage problem-solving model used for improving a process or carrying out change. When using the PDSA cycle, it's important to include internal and external customers; they can provide feedback about what works and what doesn't. The customer defines quality, so it would make sense to also involve them in the process when appropriate or feasible, to increase acceptance of the end result. (If you're unsure about, who your customers are, you may want to create a customer chain to assist in identification.)In applying PDSA, ask yourself three questions:
A. Recruit teamAssemble a team that has knowledge of the problem or opportunity for improvement. Consider the strengths each team member brings—look for engaged, forward-thinking staff. After recruiting team members, identify roles and responsibilities, set timelines, and establish a meeting schedule. B. Draft an aim statementDescribe what you want to accomplish in an aim statement. Try to answer those three fundamental questions:
C. Describe current context and processbrainstormExamine your current process. Start by asking the team these basic questions:
You might have already answered the last two questions if you have performed a SWOT analysis. Try a swim lane mapYou may find it helpful to construct a swim lane map to visually describe your process. Creating a process flow or at least depicting the current process can be very useful. If your team runs into road blocks, you might have found where the problem is occurring—or maybe the right person for identifying a missing step is not at the table. Gather more detailOnce the general structure is completed, these can be some more helpful questions to ask:
D. Describe the problemUsing the aim statement created in Step B, state your desired accomplishments, and use data and information to measure how your organization meets/does not meet those accomplishments. For example: If your objective is to maximize your staff's quality of work life, you might find evidence by surveying employees on workplace stressors. Write a problem statementWrite a problem statement to clearly summarize your team's consensus on the problem. You may find it helpful to prioritize problems, if your team has identified more than one, and/or include a justification of why you chose your problem(s). E. Identify causes and alternativesAnalyze causesFor the problem in your problem statement, work to identify causes of the problem using tools such as control charts, fishbones, and work flow process maps (e.g., flowcharts, swim lane maps). The end of the cause analysis should summarize the cause analysis by describing and justifying the root causes. Examine your process, and ask:
Develop alternativesTry to mitigate your root causes by completing the statement, "If we do __________, then __________ will happen." Choose an alternative (or a few alternatives) that you believe will best help you reach your objective and maximize your resources. Develop an action plan, including necessary staff/resources and a timeline. Try to account for risks you might face as you implement your action plan. Start to implement your action plan. Be sure to collect data as you go, to help you evaluate your plan in Stage 3: Study. Your team might find it helpful to use a check sheet, flowchart, swim lane map, or run chart to capture data/occurrences as they happen or over time. Your team should also document problems, unexpected effects, and general observations. Using the aim statement drafted in Stage 1: Plan, and data gathered during Stage 2: Do, determine:
You can use a number of different tools to visually review and evaluate an improvement, like a Pareto chart, control chart, or run chart. Reflect on plan and outcomes
The PDSA cycle is ongoing, and organizations become more efficient as they intuitively adopt PDSA into their planning. Celebrate improvements and lessons learned
The ABCs of PDCA and PDSA Flowchart (PDF) Embracing Quality in Local Public Health (PDF) Baldrige Performance Excellence Program Balanced Scorecard Institute PDSA [Note: Video will autoplay] Whiteboard: The PDSA Cycle (Part 1) [Note: Video will autoplay] |