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Types
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Long-term memory refers to the transfer of information from short-term memory into long-term storage in order to create enduring memories. Thistype of memoryis unlimited in capacity and stable—lasting for years or even a lifetime. Short-term memories can become long-term memories through a process known as consolidation.
Long-term memory can be further subdivided into two different types: explicit (conscious) and implicit (unconscious) memory. If you can remember something that happened more than just a few moments ago, whether it occurred just hours ago or decades earlier, it is long-term memory.
Long term memory is important because it helps us recall major events in our lives. We also use long-term memory to access the skills and behaviors that we’ve learned which contribute to our survival.
Types of Long-Term Memory
Long-term memory is usually divided into two types—explicit and implicit.
Long-term memories are often outside of the conscious mind. This information is largely outside of our awareness but can be called intoworking memoryto be used when needed. Some memories are relatively easy to recall, while others are much harder to access.
RecapTwo types of long-term memory are explicit and implicit, which can be further divided into other memory types, such as episodic, semantic, and procedural memories.
Recap
Two types of long-term memory are explicit and implicit, which can be further divided into other memory types, such as episodic, semantic, and procedural memories.
Duration of Long-Term Memory
Through the process of association and rehearsal, the content ofshort-term memorycan become long-term memory. Long-term memories can last from a matter of days to as long as many decades.
There are a number of factors that can influence how long information endures in long-term memory:
Not all long-term memories are created equal. While some memories spring to mind quickly, others are weaker and might require prompts or reminders to bring them into focus.
Information that is of greater importance leads to a stronger recall. You can usually remember important events such as your wedding day with much greater clarity and detail than you can more ordinary days.
How Long-Term Memory Forms
The information-processing model of memory characterizes human memory as being like a computer. Information enters short-term memory (a temporary store), then some of this information is transferred into long-term memory (a relatively permanent store), much like information being saved to the hard disk of a computer.
Memories that are frequently accessed become stronger and easier to recall. Accessing these memories over and over again strengthens the neural networks in which the information is encoded, leading to easier recollection of the information.
Long-Term Memory Changes
Studies suggest that memories are not saved in a static state, then pulled up with perfect clarity. Instead, researchers have found that memories are transformed or changed every single time they are accessed.
Accessing memories often helps make them stronger, yet the research has found that this re-encoding can have an impact on how the information is remembered.Subtledetails may change, and certain aspects of the memory may be strengthened, weakened, or even lost altogether depending on which neurons are activated.
The Psychology of Forgetting
Fragility of Long-Term Memory
Long-term memory can be surprisingly fragile and susceptible to change,misinformation, and interference. Memory expert Elizabeth Loftus has demonstrated howeasily false memories can be triggered. In one of her most famous experiments, she was able to get 25% of her participants to believe in afalse memorythat they had once been lost in a shopping mall as a child.
Why is long-term memory so susceptible to these inaccuracies? In some cases, people miss important details about events. To fill in these missing gaps in information, the brain sometimes fabricates details that seem to make sense.
Older memories can also interfere with the formation of new ones, making it difficult to recall what actually happened.
Causes of Memory Loss
A Word From Verywell
Long-term memory plays a vital role in daily life, allowing you to build a foundation of information that allows you to live your life. While it is easy to think of memories as something similar to files in a computer, research has shown that long-term memory is both enduring and susceptible to error.
Proven Techniques to Improve Your Memory
Frequently Asked QuestionsInformation can be kept in short-term memory for around 15 to 30 seconds, but it may stay longer if it is actively rehearsed or maintained.Implicit memories tend to be the most durable form of long-term memory. While explicit memory declines with age, healthy adults typically maintain strong implicit memories as they grow older.Strategies that may help improve your long-term memory include exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep, and using cognitive training to strengthen your memory skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information can be kept in short-term memory for around 15 to 30 seconds, but it may stay longer if it is actively rehearsed or maintained.
Implicit memories tend to be the most durable form of long-term memory. While explicit memory declines with age, healthy adults typically maintain strong implicit memories as they grow older.
Strategies that may help improve your long-term memory include exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep, and using cognitive training to strengthen your memory skills.
7 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Friedman GN, Johnson L, Williams ZM.Long-term visual memory and its role in learning suppression.Front Psychol. 2018;9:1896. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01896Camina E, Güell F.The neuroanatomical, neurophysiological and psychological basis of memory: Current models and their origins.Front Pharmacol. 2017;8:438. doi:10.3389/fphar.2017.00438Zlotnik G, Vansintjan A.Memory: An extended definition.Front Psychol. 2019;10:2523. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02523Loftus EF.Creating false memories.Sci Am. 1997;277(3):70-75. doi:10.1038/scientificamerican0997-70Revlin R.Cognition:Theory and Practice. Worth Publishers; 2012.Ward EV, Berry CJ, Shanks DR.Age effects on explicit and implicit memory.Front Psychol. 2013;4. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00639Hardy JL, Nelson RA, Thomason ME, et al.Enhancing cognitive abilities with comprehensive training: A large, online, randomized, active-controlled trial. Greenlee MW, ed.PLoS ONE. 2015;10(9):e0134467. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0134467
7 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Friedman GN, Johnson L, Williams ZM.Long-term visual memory and its role in learning suppression.Front Psychol. 2018;9:1896. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01896Camina E, Güell F.The neuroanatomical, neurophysiological and psychological basis of memory: Current models and their origins.Front Pharmacol. 2017;8:438. doi:10.3389/fphar.2017.00438Zlotnik G, Vansintjan A.Memory: An extended definition.Front Psychol. 2019;10:2523. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02523Loftus EF.Creating false memories.Sci Am. 1997;277(3):70-75. doi:10.1038/scientificamerican0997-70Revlin R.Cognition:Theory and Practice. Worth Publishers; 2012.Ward EV, Berry CJ, Shanks DR.Age effects on explicit and implicit memory.Front Psychol. 2013;4. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00639Hardy JL, Nelson RA, Thomason ME, et al.Enhancing cognitive abilities with comprehensive training: A large, online, randomized, active-controlled trial. Greenlee MW, ed.PLoS ONE. 2015;10(9):e0134467. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0134467
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Friedman GN, Johnson L, Williams ZM.Long-term visual memory and its role in learning suppression.Front Psychol. 2018;9:1896. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01896Camina E, Güell F.The neuroanatomical, neurophysiological and psychological basis of memory: Current models and their origins.Front Pharmacol. 2017;8:438. doi:10.3389/fphar.2017.00438Zlotnik G, Vansintjan A.Memory: An extended definition.Front Psychol. 2019;10:2523. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02523Loftus EF.Creating false memories.Sci Am. 1997;277(3):70-75. doi:10.1038/scientificamerican0997-70Revlin R.Cognition:Theory and Practice. Worth Publishers; 2012.Ward EV, Berry CJ, Shanks DR.Age effects on explicit and implicit memory.Front Psychol. 2013;4. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00639Hardy JL, Nelson RA, Thomason ME, et al.Enhancing cognitive abilities with comprehensive training: A large, online, randomized, active-controlled trial. Greenlee MW, ed.PLoS ONE. 2015;10(9):e0134467. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0134467
Friedman GN, Johnson L, Williams ZM.Long-term visual memory and its role in learning suppression.Front Psychol. 2018;9:1896. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01896
Camina E, Güell F.The neuroanatomical, neurophysiological and psychological basis of memory: Current models and their origins.Front Pharmacol. 2017;8:438. doi:10.3389/fphar.2017.00438
Zlotnik G, Vansintjan A.Memory: An extended definition.Front Psychol. 2019;10:2523. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02523
Loftus EF.Creating false memories.Sci Am. 1997;277(3):70-75. doi:10.1038/scientificamerican0997-70
Revlin R.Cognition:Theory and Practice. Worth Publishers; 2012.
Ward EV, Berry CJ, Shanks DR.Age effects on explicit and implicit memory.Front Psychol. 2013;4. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00639
Hardy JL, Nelson RA, Thomason ME, et al.Enhancing cognitive abilities with comprehensive training: A large, online, randomized, active-controlled trial. Greenlee MW, ed.PLoS ONE. 2015;10(9):e0134467. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0134467
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