Memory is inferred by comparing how much is remembered or it is accessed that how much has been forgotten. In other words, memory is revival of ideas, mental images of object and events that we have experienced before. So we can say that memory is ability to retain and is reproduced when required.
Contents
Measurement of memory and its types
Measurement of memory and its types, always have been the favorite subject of Psychologist, therefore, according to them remembering involves those processes which are essential for memory. Basically, there appears to be three different memory systems.
- Sensory information storage
- Short-term memory
- Long-term memory
Sensory Information Storage
This is the first system of memory which maintains sensory information just long enough to be used in perceiving, judging and remembering. It usually lasts for less than half a second. This system has a very limited storage and if required, the material is shifted on to the short-term memory.
Short-term memory
The information received by the system remain in it for very short period i.e. 20 sec or slightly more. After that these information either vanishes or shifted to next system of memory.
Long-term memory
This system is more permanent and has unlimited capacity of storage. In this system basic meaning and essence is stored for hours, days, weeks, and even for years covering the whole life and when required with appropriate cues and material is retrieved. For study, the process of memory is classified as
Views of Ebbinghaus
In 1885 Hermann Ebbinghaus carried out a study wherein provided a quantitative measure of retention. For this purpose the designed "Nonsense syllable".... A meaningless three letter unit consisting of vowel between two consonants such as LEP, NOL etc. For obtaining a pure, uncontaminated by the previous learning and association, he used these non-sense syllables. In these experiments he used himself as a subject and as a result of these experiments, he designed many methods for the training of memory. In the present experiment by the uses of nonsense syllables and meaningful words, subject's ability of retention will be evaluated.
Hypothesis
Memory regarding the nonsense syllable is poorer as compared to meaningful words.
Apparatus and Material
Memory drum or Exposure board. A list of three letter nonsense syllable and a list of meaningful words, each consisting of 12 words.
Instructions
The subject is seated in front of the drum and the following instructions are imparted to him.
Procedure
After the instructions, when the subject was completely relaxed, she was shown a list of meaningful words at 2 seconds intervals through the window of memory drum. when the list has been presented once, she was given a paper for reproduction of the list. As there were mistakes in her reproduction, therefore, the experiment was repeated. In the second Trial, she committed two mistakes, but in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th trial, she reproduced the list successfully.After the rest pause of 30 minutes, the experiment was carried out with non-sense syllable on the same pattern.Presentation of the list was continued until the criterion of complete mastery was reached.At the end of the experiment, Tables were prepared for comparative study.