Mäluteooria

Mäluteooria, or memory theory, is a broad field of study within psychology and cognitive science that seeks to understand how memories are formed, stored, retrieved, and forgotten. It explores the underlying mechanisms and processes involved in human memory. Key concepts in memory theory include encoding, the process of converting sensory information into a form that can be stored in memory; storage, the maintenance of this encoded information over time; and retrieval, the process of accessing stored information when needed.

Different theoretical models attempt to explain how memory functions. One prominent model is the Atkinson-Shiffrin model, which proposes three distinct stages: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Sensory memory holds brief, fleeting sensory impressions. Short-term memory has a limited capacity and duration, holding information actively in consciousness. Long-term memory has a vast capacity and can store information for extended periods, from minutes to a lifetime.

Further research has expanded upon these basic ideas, introducing concepts like working memory, which emphasizes the active manipulation and processing of information, not just its passive storage. Theories also address the different types of long-term memory, such as episodic memory (personal experiences), semantic memory (general knowledge), and procedural memory (skills and habits). Understanding memory is crucial for fields ranging from education and therapy to artificial intelligence and neuroscience.