if we all had only a long term memory would iq levels be equal since these levels are an indication of how well one can transfer and organize information? i know there is a probably a reason which makes the short term memory indispensable, and it's probably right under my nose but i just can't think of it...can you help me out?
2007-02-20 09:43:29 · 3 answers · asked by pelican 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
It's a retrieval issue. Long-term memory requires a mechanism for retrieving the information and there can be all kinds of interference in making that retrieval. Long-term memories are not immediately accessible - even if you know it's in there, sometimes it can be hard getting it out. Short-term memory, on the other hand, is immediately accessible. You look up a number in the phone book, you keep it in short term memory long enough to make the phone call and then you discard it. If we didn't have a short term memory, only long term, such actions would be a lot more complicated.
2007-02-20 12:57:04 · answer #1 · answered by senlin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually we all have (except for addicts) 3 different types of memory:Sensory memory last around 15 seconds-it goes to Short term memory if you attend to it-then it goes into Long term memory. For example: I remember this from Psych class 1980 and the chapter on memory was chapter 8
2007-02-20 09:50:57 · answer #2 · answered by dtwladyhawk 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
depends on what information you want to remember
2007-02-20 09:49:56 · answer #3 · answered by c s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋