Short vs Long term memory

Short-term memory

What is used to retain information for a short period of time - seconds or minutes.

Short-term memory is a…

Temporary store

Long-term memory

What is used to retain information for a long period of time.

Long-term memory is a…

…

Permanent store

Capacity of a short-term memory is…

Limited

Capacity of long-term memory is…

Unlimited

How can information from short-term memory be forgotten?

Overloading or too much to process.

How can information from long-term memory be forgotten?

Interference, distortion, or brain damage.

Interference

When similar items get mixed up.

Distortion

When people add to or change information from long-term memory when they try to remember it.

What are the 2 key areas of the brain involved in memory?

Hippocampus and frontal lobe

Hippocampus

Helps consolidate long-term memories. If it is damaged, people may find it impossible to form new memories.

Frontal lobe

Front part of the brain responsible for high level functions like thinking, planning, problem-solving, and making decisions.

What category of memory is the frontal lobe responsible for?

Short-term

Cue

Anything that can help remind people about information.

Example of a cue

First letter of a word.