Functional Model Of Memory Based On Physiological And Verbal Learning Data

This report presents a functional model of memory based on verbal learning and physiological data. These diverse empirical data are used to describe several basic mechanisms of memory including: (a) separate mechanisms for short-term memory and for long-term memory; (b) the initiation of long-term memory by short-term memory; (c) the properties of short-term memory including autonomous decay, distortion by interference, and a limited capacity; (d) the properties of long-term memory including a consolidation process dependent upon ribonucleic acid (RNA) and enzymes, and a very large capacity; (e) the functional grouping of items in long-term memory; and (f) consolidated (long-term) memories that are reactivated, being brought back into short-term memory. Time courses of these events are described. The ultimate benefit of a detailed knowledge of the mechanisms of memory is to help us to better understand how humans learn. This report describes how mnemonic techniques work and presents suggestions about how to improve memory training. ii