Memory and working memory

In short: Memory is divided into sensory memory, working memory (short-term) and long-term memory. Working memory can hold only a few pieces of information at once; long-term memory stores almost without limit.

In more detail: Something given only brief attention is lost. Through repetition, meaning and association it reaches long-term memory.

In detail

• Capacity: Working memory holds about four to seven units; chunking helps, for example with phone numbers.
• Long-term memory: Declarative (facts, experiences) and procedural (skills such as cycling).
• Consolidation: Sleep strengthens memories (schlafhygiene-besser-schlafen).
• Retrieval: Cues and context help recall.
• Learning strategies: Active retrieval, spaced practice, teaching and mnemonics (vergessenskurve-und-wiederholen).
• Forgetting: Normal and partly useful; stress and tiredness worsen memory.