Andrew Chao Week #13 Looong term or short term?
Andrew Chao
Ms. Benedetti
Ap English 11 P5
21 March 2022 [11:55PM]
Week 13 Looong term or short term?
We all store memories in our brains, they are like the computer chips that exist which is stored into the depths of the computer like numbers and data files. These files in computers are stored in many different places some may be browsing history, others as bookmarks, or even desktop shortcuts. The factor that these listed all have in common are that they can be pulled out whenever you need it at any circumstance. Us humans have two types of memories one short term, and another classified as long-term.
Long term memory is as it suggests something your brain stores for a long period of time maybe a valuable memory or something that makes a part of you. Short term memory is on the contrary the opposite of long term only temporary maybe something as doing an assignment or completing a task. Both I feel like have their own uses and best used for a certain something. But what makes the brain determine or sort whether to leave something as a short term or a long-term memory? Every memory is first stored as a short-term memory later converting to a long-term memory the more you repeat one certain action or having the repeating photographic memory. It is said that you could only store a limited amount of short-term memory at a time up to 9 and a average of 7. This makes me think of 2GB usb drives where we use it as electronic folders to store small amounts of information with it only to be able to store so much. Everything that later goes or gets transferred into the long term memory are memories that hold value and is considered by the brain as something that is acceptable as the memory is repeated consecutively. We use photographic and short term memory a lot more than we actually think as with numbers or something as simple as copying notes on the board or new numbers. We also use long term memory for everyday stuff and knowledge like something as simple as how to type or open up a laptop. It is that we consistently do the same type of motion that our brain recognizes and automatically acts upon. What do you think? Would you prefer to have more long term memory or short term memory?
Gear Brain TMH | The Mindful Habit
Comments
I think your analogy comparing memory to computer chips is a good comparison that makes the concept easier to understand. In my opinion, long term memory and short term memory are equally useful. Without long term memory, it would be like you mentioned; we would lose the ability to do basic tasks. Without short term memory, we would not know anything leading up to the present moment, which would be very scary. I think a mixture of them, like we have now, is the best option. But if I could choose one to increase the amount of, I would choose short term memory, because I think it would be helpful for studying, and remembering concepts would not be very easy with long term memory because there is not much repetition over long periods of time.
I would personally prefer to have a good long-term memory because, without it, I would not be able to efficiently perform previously learned tasks, which seems pretty frustrating. I also think that forgetting what I experienced in the past is counterproductive. I think I already have a bad short-term memory, so I’ll take the latter. I sometimes surprise myself with how much I can remember obscure moments that happened several years ago, which has generally made me appreciate my long-term memory more.
-Angel Susantin
I actually learned about short term and long term memory pretty recently in AP Psychology, I thought that you brought up a very insightful question in your blog; I think, based on what I’ve learned in AP Psychology, that the brain determines what goes into our long term memory based on how many times and when we encounter a situation. When we are young, we learn things that help us function, such as walking and talking. However, we tend to forget minute details such as that time where your older sister hit you with a rake. Your blog about memory was very insightful overall.
This was honestly such an interesting topic to learn about in psychology. I think that my memory really sucks to be honest and everything is so short term in terms of learning concepts. Maybe back then, my long term was a lot better but things just go in and out of my brain. I really need to find better methods to hold onto concepts in the long run.
I liked the comparison you showed us between long-term and short-term memory as it allows the readers to understand what terms are on the playing field. I also liked how you told us when short-term memory or something turns into long-term memory when it is done several times. This reminds me of my dance teacher who tells us to practice a lot so we have muscle memory of a dance sequence. I personally would have long-term memory as it gives me comfort that I can fool around while doing something but still do it right.
Sincerely,
Mrinmayee Sama
I would definitely want long term memory because too many of the things I try to remember tend to stay in the short term memory and disappear before it makes it to my long term memory. Long term memory is also beneficial, especially when it comes to studying for tests or trying to memorize a ton of information. I always find myself forgetting what I memorized for a test even after I spent hours trying to memorize information. Long term memory would be a gift to me, and help me remember the terms I need to remember.
Sincerely,
Faith Tong