Beginner’s Guide: How Memory Works

Memory isn’t one single skill — it’s a system with different parts that work together. Understanding how your memory works helps you understand why some things are easy to remember and others are harder.

The Three Main Stages of Memory

1. Encoding — Taking in information This is when your brain first receives information through your senses (what you see, hear, feel, etc). 👉 The better you pay attention, the stronger the memory starts.

2. Storage — Holding the information After you take it in, your brain stores the information so you can access it later.

3. Retrieval — Getting it back when you need it When you remember something, your brain pulls that stored information out so you can use it.

The Different Types of Memory

1. Short-Term Memory (The Holding Tray)

   Holds small amounts of information for a few seconds or minutes.

   Example: Remembering a phone number someone just told you.

2. Working Memory (The Workbench)

   Holds and works with information in real-time.

   Example: Following multi-step directions while cooking.

3. Long-Term Memory (The Storage Warehouse)

   Holds information for days, months, or years.

   Example: Remembering your childhood home.

How They Work Together

1. You notice something (encoding).

2. It sits briefly in short-term memory.

3. If you actively think about it (use working memory) or connect it to something meaningful, it may get sent to long-term memory.

How Working Memory, Short-Term Memory, and Long-Term Memory Connect

Think of your brain like a system of storage rooms and workspaces:

1. Short-Term Memory (the temporary holding area)

   Holds small amounts of new information for a short time.

   Example: You hear someone say a phone number.

2. Working Memory (the active workspace)

   Takes information from short-term memory and does something with it.

   You can manipulate, combine, or organise the information here.

   Example: You repeat the phone number, compare it to another number, or write it down.

3. Long-Term Memory (the big storage warehouse)

   If information in working memory is rehearsed or meaningful, it can be transferred into long-term memory.

   Once stored here, you can recall it much later.

   Example: You remember your own phone number for years.

Short-Term Memory vs Working Memory

Short-Term Memory	Working Memory
Storage	Storage + Processing
Holds information for a short time (seconds to minutes).	Holds information while you actively use or manipulate it.
Like a temporary storage shelf.	Like a mental workbench where you hold AND work with information.
Example: You hear a phone number and remember it briefly.	Example: You hear a phone number and calculate whether it's odd or even.
Mainly passive — just holding info.	Active — you’re using, updating, or reorganising the info.

Factors That Affect Memory

• Attention: You need to focus to store new information.

• Emotion: Strong emotions often make memories stronger.

• Repetition: Practising or reviewing information helps it stick.

• Meaning: The more personal or meaningful it is, the easier to remember.

• Sleep: Your brain strengthens memories while you sleep.

Why Memory Sometimes Fails

• Too much distraction when trying to learn something.

• Information overload (too much to remember at once).

• Lack of attention or interest.

• Stress or anxiety blocking retrieval.

• Fatigue or poor sleep.

Quick Visual Analogy: The Memory Factory

🏭 Short-Term Memory = the receiving dock  🛠 Working Memory = the processing area 

📦 Long-Term Memory = the storage warehouse

If information isn’t processed or stored carefully, it might never make it to long-term memory — or it may be harder to find later.

The Good News: You Can Strengthen Your Memory!

• Use checklists, notes, or visuals.

• Break big tasks into small steps.

• Repeat or practise important information.

• Make it personal or connect it to things you already know.

• Create routines and habits.

• Get plenty of sleep.