Identify each of the following descriptions as characteristic of sensory memory (SM), short-term memory (STM), or long-term memory (LTM).Capacity Limited capacity of about seven items ____.

Imagine the fleeting impression of a lightning strike or the lingering aroma of a favorite dish; these brief experiences describe the essence of sensory memory (SM). Sensory memory acts like a buffer for stimuli received through the five senses and is preserved in its original sensory form. Typically lasting only a fraction of a second for vision (iconic memory) and a few seconds for hearing (echoic memory), it has a high capacity to momentarily hold a vast array of detailed information. It's the initial stage that captures endless streams of data before they fade or advance into short-term memory.

Consider sensory memory as a snapshot of what you've just perceived, holding information long enough for it to be processed further. It's important to note that most sensory memories are not stored for an extended period and will vanish unless attention is directed at them, distilling the abundance of input down to what's essential for further cognitive processes.

When it comes to memory, 'capacity' refers to the amount of information that can be held at any given time. A familiar illustration is the capacity of short-term memory (STM), often encapsulated by the 'magic number seven,' a term coined by psychologist George Miller. He posited that STM can hold approximately 7 ± 2 discrete chunks of information. These 'chunks' can be digits, words, or other units that we group by familiarity or relevance. Yet, this figure is not a hard limit; factors like chunking, connections to existing knowledge, and personal mnemonic strategies can expand STM's capacity.

Meanwhile, sensory memory has a large capacity but a very short duration, while long-term memory (LTM) boasts a practically unlimited capacity that can endure for years. Thus, the ability to retain and retrieve information varies significantly among the different types of memory, influencing how we process, learn, and remember information over time.

Long-term memory (LTM) is the extensive library of an individual's past experiences, knowledge, and skills. Unlike the transitory nature of sensory and short-term memories, long-term memory can preserve information for a remarkably lengthy interval, from minutes to a lifetime. Its capacity is considered unlimited, and it's where all our learned information—academic knowledge, personal experiences, motor skills—is stored.

There are two key subdivisions within LTM: explicit (declarative) memory, which requires conscious thought to recall facts and events, and implicit (nondeclarative) memory, guiding the performance of tasks subconsciously, like riding a bike. Enhancing LTM involves practices like elaborative rehearsal, where one relates new information to what they already know, thus embedding it deeper into their memory. Understanding the mechanisms that help consolidate memories into LTM can significantly aid in the learning process.