Board-certified Behaviour Analyst, Fifi Kiwan, explains the difference between short-term and long-term memory.
Have you ever walked into a room and forgotten why you went there? Or struggled to recall a friend’s name, even though you’re sure you know it? These common experiences highlight the differences between our short-term and long-term memory.
Short-Term Memory: The Brain’s Sticky Note
Short-term memory is like a temporary workspace for your brain. It holds information you’re currently focused on, like a phone number you need to dial or a task you need to complete. But it can only hold onto that information for a short time – usually around 20-30 seconds before it starts to fade.
Think of it like a sticky note. You jot down a quick reminder, but if you don’t transfer that information somewhere more permanent, the note (and the memory) gets lost. Kids are especially prone to this, as their short-term memory capacity is still developing.
Long-Term Memory: The Brain’s Filing Cabinet
In contrast, long-term memory is where we store information for the long haul. It’s like a vast filing cabinet in your brain, holding onto facts, experiences, skills, and memories from throughout your life.
Unlike short-term memory, long-term memories can last for years or even a lifetime. That’s why you can still remember your first day of school, even though it happened decades ago. The information has been safely tucked away in your long-term storage.
Bridging the Gap
Of course, short-term and long-term memory don’t exist in isolation. They work together to help us function. Information first enters our short-term memory, and with enough repetition and meaningful connections, it can get filed away in long-term storage.
This is why studying techniques like flashcards and mnemonic devices are so effective – they help transfer information from your temporary sticky note to your permanent filing cabinet. The more you engage with and relate to new information, the better it sticks.
Remembering What Matters
Whether you’re a kid cramming for a test or an adult trying to keep track of your to-do list, understanding the difference between short-term and long-term memory can help you optimise how you store and recall information.
How we can leverage the strengths of both to enhance our cognitive abilities:
Short-Term Memory (STM)
STM is the brain’s temporary storage system, holding information for a brief period, usually around 20-30 seconds. It has a limited capacity, typically around seven items at a time.
STM is essential for immediate tasks and processing new information, acting as a mental workspace. However, STM is fragile and easily disrupted by distractions or interruptions.
Long-Term Memory (LTM)
LTM is the brain’s extensive storage system, capable of holding vast amounts of information for extended periods, from hours to a lifetime. LTM can be divided into explicit memory (conscious recall, like facts and experiences) and implicit memory (unconscious, like skills and procedures).
Information in LTM is stored in a more stable and durable manner, making it accessible even after long periods. Effective encoding strategies, such as elaborative encoding, can help transfer information from STM to LTM.
So, the next time you walk into a room and forget why you went there, don’t be too hard on yourself. Just take a deep breath, retrace your steps, and give your short-term memory a little nudge. With a bit of practice, you’ll be a memory pro in no time – both in the moment and for the long haul.
