Psychology – Memory Worksheet

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Short term memory process

Short term memory is temporary and fades within a short time. Short-term memory only fits a particular number of things before one forgets. One way of getting information from short-term memory into long-term memory is through rehearsing the information. Rehearsing requires constant repetition of information that you is stored in short-term memory many times so until it is transferred into the long-term memory. Another aspect of short term memory is its limitation in capacity. The most common test of short term memory is to have subjects try to remember a large list of items as many items. Psychologist George Miller found out that working memory type capacity is limited to approximately seven items at a time.  Short-term working memory is important particularly in the process of thinking or solving problems.  Short term memory is closely correlated with intelligence.

Short term memory example

An example of short term memory is when one needs to remember a phone number. Often, one finds a piece of paper to write it down and then repeat it to themselves. In the case something distracts, it is easy to forget the number.

Long term memory process

Long term memory process is more complex that short term memory. The long term points to the ability to recall things for a long time. Long term memory has no capacity limitations. An individual can get unlimited skills and knowledge throughout their life. There are three independent systems that make up the long-term memory:   Episodic, Semantic, and Procedural.The episodic system is dependent on time and place. Passed events are retrieved from the episodic structures. They are distinguished by when and where they happened. Procedural systems hold skills. The semantic system stores information that is related to facts and encyclopedic knowledge.  Episodic and Semantic are both declarative while the procedural system is non-declarative.

Long term memory example

Long-term memory is not easily recalled. An example of a long-term memory is one’s driving skill. It is difficult to remember the first time one held a wheel. However, one can drive without a single thought about it. One recalls their driving technique subconsciously from the procedural system. This system holds all skills.

Sensory memory process

Sensory is the process of storing information perceived through the senses. As senses work continuously, the sensory memory lasts for a short period and is regularly replaced by new data.

Sensory memory example

Browsing a magazine for the first time does not allow anyone to focus on its pages. Trying to remember something is often difficult. It is not possible to precisely remember a title, a picture or a whole page.  Scanning the magazine’s pages through the eyes only allows the mind to register brief information. By continuing to scan, the mind absorbs new information and replaces the old one.

Memory aids analysis

Memory aids can help in coping with memory problems. Different aids suit different types of memory. Sticky notes, calendars, journals, diaries, alarms and mobile phones are effective ways of coping with memory problems. The list of aids is important as they are more suited for short term memory loss. Compensating for short term memory loss requires writing lists, keeping notes and reminders of important information.  These aids may provide a quick solution. However, they do not challenge the brain to remember more.


Proctor, R. W., & Vu, K. P. L. (2012). Human information processing. In Encyclopedia of the Sciences of Learning (pp. 1458-1460). Springer US.


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