Microlight » Human Factors » Information Processing

Types of memory: 

Short term/working memory 

Short-term memory, also known as working memory, is the type of memory that is used to temporarily store and manipulate information.

It lasts only seconds and is the ability to recall bits of information.

One example is finding an unfamiliar telephone number in a telephone book and then dialling it.  If the number has no special significance, it is usually forgotten within a few seconds.

Short-term memory is vulnerable to interference and distraction, and information that is not rehearsed or repeated is quickly forgotten.

Long term memory. 

Long-term memory lasts from days to years.

For example, if you frequently use a telephone number for any period of time, such as your home telephone number, it becomes part of long-term memory. 

When the number is in long-term memory it can be retrieved for use whenever needed for quite a long period of time. 

Such reinforcement due to the frequent use of the telephone number is called memory consolidation.

Long-term memory is more resistant to interference and decay than short-term memory, and information that is repeated or rehearsed is more likely to be retained.