Memory
is a complex and fascinating process binding the threads that
form the tapestry of our lives, providing the links with the near
and distant past which help to make up the consistent ‘story’
of our experiences. Such memories colour the way we live in the
present and how we think about the future, influencing our decision
making, our attitude to life and our capacity to learn as we remember
facts as well as events. We also ‘remember’ how to walk and run
or to dance, skate, drive, swim or knit. As we delve more into
the role and function of memory we realise that, without it, we
simply could not function in our day to day lives.
Paradoxically, memory
is not only about remembering - it is also about forgetting which
suggests that there may be processes at work influencing what
we are able to remember but also what we may forget. We can also
ask when do we begin to remember? Some people think that very
young children under 2 years have little or no capacity for memory
but of course they do – otherwise how would they know what is
familiar! It is evident that memory does have many facets– so
in this article, which can only give the broadest outline, I am
going to talk about the types of memory and links with the brain
and emotions.
Types of
memory
There is a song,
from the musical ‘Gigi’ called ‘I remember it well’ which is about
memories of a couple’s last meeting many years before. The great
charm of the song is that his factual memories of the occasion
such as the colour of her dress are different to hers. However,
what does remain clear and bright, is the joy that the memory
brings to both of them. This song provides lovely examples of
some features of our memory system. Emotional content is profound
and individual recall of memories of the same event can be different.
It also provides an example of ‘long term memory’ and in particular
the memories we have which relate specifically to us and the facts
which surround them.
So, what makes up our memory ‘system’? Most researchers agree
that we seem to have two main types of memory – long term and
short term or ‘working’ memory. Long term memory is further divided
into explicit or declarative memory which includes autobiographical
memory and implicit or ‘unconscious’ memory which includes procedural
memory. Have a look at the diagram to help work this out.
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