What is memory?

We explain what memory is and the types of memory related to time. In addition, what is sensory memory and its importance.

1. What is memory?

The term memory comes from the Latin memorye , and is understood as the ability or ability to retain and remember information from the past . Being a term used in various subjects and disciplines , the most precise definitions arise in particular fields.

From psychology and medicine there is a similar conception of the term memorye, since in both cases it is understood as the mental faculty that allows us to recognize, store and evoke feelings, ideas, images, among other experiences. It also allows us to recognize them as our own. Different types of memories are listed, some of them are:

2. Memory in relation to time

• Long term memorye.  This report refers to the data or information that can be retained for many years. Some examples could be the address of the house where he lived in childhood, the birthday of a relative or friend, etc.
• Short term memorye. In this case the data and information receives a sensory analysis but is retained for short periods of time .
• Immediate memorye This type of memorye allows an analysis of the information that has been captured by the senses extremely quickly.

3. Sensory memory

This type of memory includes those memories that were captured through the senses. These in turn can be classified into:

• Taste memory  Memorye that relates to flavors and tastes, for example of meals . It is one of the least developed memories by human beings . However, tasters, for example wine, if they constantly resort to it for comparisons
• Visual memorye  It is what allows to register those things that have been captured through the sense of sight. Thanks to this type of memorye it is possible to remember for example the face of people or remember what is read.
• Auditory memory  The memorye that allows us to remember what we hear is considered the most important since it is due to speech. It also allows us to store other sounds , such as noises, songs, tones, among others.
• Touch memory  It is one that allows the textures or surfaces of objects to be recognized.
• Olfactory Memory  It allows us to remember and recognize aromas, for example the aroma of a meal or a flower.

4. Why is memory important?

Memory is a fundamental element in people’s lives in different aspects:

• In the first place it allows us to access an identity thanks to the recognition of the experiences lived.
• On the other hand it is very important in the process of socialization because it allows us to recognize not only ourselves but also those around us.
• In addition, the concept of memorye is closely linked to that of learning . Although many specialists recognize them as two independent processes, memorye is a very useful tool to learn.

5. Computer Memory

From the field of computer science and computing , the term memory can be related to storage . But it also refers to all those components of a computer that allow you to retain limited information for a certain period of time.

There are different levels of memorye and it can be classified in various ways, one of which distinguishes RAM from ROM.

• RAM . Also known under the name of random memorye, it is the one that the computer uses to read the information at the time the program is used and also allows you to save the results of the activities performed by that same program . This memory is characterized by being temporary, since once the computer is turned off this information disappears.
• ROM . It cannot be modified, which is why it is also called read-only memory . This memorye is placed in the computer at the time of its manufacture and is extremely important for the computer to function. This is because it has the guidelines so that the different elements of the computer can work from the moment it is turned on until it is turned off. As it can well be interpreted, this memory does not disappear when it stops providing power as in the case of RAM.

It is also common to hear about the term cache . In this case, reference is made to a memory that is hidden from the user , which acts automatically and is characterized by its temporality. This type of memory allows the user to quickly access the data that is used most frequently or that is possible to predict for purely logical reasons.