Minnemodell

Minnemodell is a Swedish term used to describe a theoretical framework for memory processes. It can refer to models that explain human memory in cognitive psychology or to models that describe how computers manage memory. The concept covers how information is encoded, stored, and retrieved, and how memory traces change over time.

In cognitive psychology, minnemodell denotes a family of theories that divide memory into components such as sensory memory, short-term or working memory, and long-term memory. Models describe encoding processes, consolidation during sleep, retrieval cues, and forgetting. Common distinctions include episodic memory, semantic memory, and procedural memory. The models are abstractions used to explain performance on memory tasks and to predict effects of aging, distraction, and practice.

In computer science, a minnemodell or memory model specifies the rules by which a system’s memory behaves for concurrent operations. It defines visibility, ordering, and synchronization guarantees among processors or cores. Well-known examples include sequential consistency and various weak models used in modern architectures, as well as language-specific models such as the Java Memory Model and the C++ memory model. These models influence software correctness, performance, and debugging.

The term is widely used in Swedish-language texts and may refer to different, domain-specific models depending on the context. When used, it is typically clarified by specifying whether the discussion concerns cognitive processes or computer memory.