Definition of Memory

Human Memory (What is Memory?)

Memory is the process we use to store and recall information.^[1] There are two types of memory—short-term or working memory and long-term memory. Short-term memory allows you to recall information for several seconds up to a minute. It is possible to store about seven items at a time in short term memory. Long-term memory allows you to store information for longer periods but not indefinitely.

In addition to short- and long-term memory, memory can be defined by the type of information stored. There are two types: declarative and non-declarative memory.^[2] Declarative memory is the type of memory that allows us to consciously recall information such as facts and events. Non-declarative memory involves skills, habits and reactions that we have that do not require conscious effort. Such a skill might be the muscle "memory" related to a golf swing.

There are two types of declarative memory. One involves something called episodic memory or the ability to recall events within our own lives. Examples include remembering your high school prom or what you had for dinner last night. The other type of memory is called semantic memory and it involves remembering facts such as the year Columbus discovered America or that 12 times 12 equals 144.