Sensory memory

Definition

Sensory memory is the initial stage of memory where sensory information is stored for a very brief period, typically less than a second. It acts as a buffer for stimuli received through the senses, allowing individuals to process and decide which information to focus on and transfer into short-term memory. Sensory memory plays a critical role in the learning process by enabling immediate perception and awareness of environmental stimuli, which is foundational in the context of behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sensory memory has different types corresponding to each sense, including iconic memory for visual stimuli and echoic memory for auditory stimuli.
2. It can hold a large amount of information but does so for only a fleeting moment before it either decays or is processed into short-term memory.
3. Attention plays a crucial role in determining what sensory information is transferred from sensory memory to short-term memory.
4. In behaviorism, sensory memory is linked to stimulus-response associations where immediate environmental stimuli influence learning behaviors.
5. Cognitivism emphasizes the processing aspect of sensory memory as part of the cognitive framework for understanding how information is perceived and remembered.

Review Questions

• How does sensory memory function as the first step in the process of memory formation?
  • Sensory memory functions by briefly storing incoming sensory information, allowing it to be processed before deciding what to retain. It captures an extensive array of stimuli from the environment but only holds this information for milliseconds. This initial step is crucial for determining what details are important enough to move into short-term memory, setting the stage for deeper cognitive processing.
• Discuss the significance of attention in the transfer of information from sensory memory to short-term memory.
  • Attention is vital because it filters the vast amount of sensory input we encounter. Only the stimuli we focus on are likely to be encoded into short-term memory. This process reflects how our cognitive resources are allocated, influencing learning and retention. Without attention, much of the information captured in sensory memory fades away and remains unprocessed.
• Evaluate how sensory memory contributes to learning theories such as behaviorism and cognitivism.
  • Sensory memory plays a significant role in both behaviorism and cognitivism by providing a foundation for how individuals perceive and react to their environment. In behaviorism, immediate sensory experiences shape behaviors through reinforcement and response patterns. Conversely, cognitivism highlights how these experiences are cognitively processed, leading to understanding and retention of information. Thus, sensory memory acts as a bridge connecting immediate perception with deeper cognitive processing, illustrating its importance in various learning theories.

Related terms

short-term memory: A temporary storage system that holds a limited amount of information for a brief duration, typically up to 30 seconds.

long-term memory: A more permanent storage system that can hold vast amounts of information over extended periods, from days to decades.

attention: The cognitive process of selectively concentrating on specific information while ignoring other perceivable information.