The first kind of memory is sensory memory. Sensory memory is a very “brief memory that allows people to retain impressions of sensory information after the original stimulus has ceased” (Cherry, 2023). This allows people to interpret and interact with the world around them based upon what their senses register in the moment. Sometimes this information will be transferred to short term memory but often the information is forgotten. For example, being able to remember what something looked like after it has disappeared is sensory memory.

The second kind of memory is short-term memory. Our short-term memory can hold small bits of information for around 20-30 seconds, without repetition. Short term memory decides if the information is important. If the short-term memory does not see the information as important one is likely to forget the information. Memories can stay in short term memory, but the information needs repetition for it to stay there.

The third kind of memory is long-term memory. Long-term memory allows for information to be stored over an extended period. The information stored here comes from short-term memory. These memories can last for years or a lifetime. Long-term memory has an unlimited capacity. This type of memory holds the skills and behaviors that we need to survive (Cherry, 2023).