Types of Memory

Memory actually takes many different forms. We know that when we store a memory, we are storing information. But, what that information is and how long we retain it determines what type of memory it is. The biggest categories of memory are short-term memory (or working memory) and long-term memory, based on the amount of time the memory is stored. Both can weaken due to age, or a variety of other reasons and clinical conditions that affect memory.

Memory Types

There are two major categories of memory: long-term memory and short-term memory. To learn more, choose from the options below.

Long-Term Memory

Long-term memory is our brain's system for storing, managing, and retrieving information. There are many different forms of long-term memory.

Short-Term Memory

Closely related to "working" memory, short-term memory is the very short time that you keep something in mind before either dismissing it or transferring it to long-term memory.

Types of Long-Term Memory

As you would imagine, long-term memories are much more complex than short-term ones. We store different types of information (procedures, life experiences, language, etc.) with separate memory systems.

Explicit Memory

Explicit memory, or declarative memory, is a type of long-term memory, which requires conscious thought. What most people have in mind when they think of a ―memory.

Implicit Memory

Implicit memory is the other major form of long-term memory that does not require conscious thought. It allows you to do things by rote.

Autobiographical Memory

Is memory system for recalling life experiences, which involves both the episodic memory and the semantic memory.