Memory
GENERALIZATION:
Short-Term Memory (STM) also known as "Working Memory", because STM is used during a conscious activity. It lasts anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, but then disappears when the activity is over. It is a low level of processing. In order to improve STM, one must use chunking and minor rehearsal or practice of the information. Classical conditioning: explains learning on the association, repetition, and substitution of stimuli.
Long-Term Memory (LTM) is a much deeper or higher level of processing. It may last several days to years. In order to improve LTM one must process the information correctly through activities such as analysis, rehearsal, and organization. One can also build strong cues, use mnemonic devices, the Loci system, the Phonetic system, and elaboration to improve LTM. Human qualities are determined by the environment because individuals are born with only a few reflexes and early responses become conditioned to other stimuli by being repeatedly paired with them.
Examples
Work-Related Task 1: Filing
Filing would use the short-term memory (STM) and long-term memory (LTM). LTM would hold the system of filing used and the STM would be used during the act of putting the right document into its proper file.
Whenever a response follows a stimulus, there will be a tendency for the same response to occur the next time the same stimulus is present.
Work-Related Task 2: Assigning Part Numbers
Assigning part numbers would use the short-term memory (STM) and long-term memory (LTM). LTM would hold the system in which you assign the part number, primarily how the computer software program operates. The STM would be used during the act of actually entering the text and actual part number into the program.
