Memory: GCSE Psychology Definition

What is Memory?

In GCSE psychology, memory refers to the process of encoding, storing and retrieving stored information.

For example, information can be encoded (changed) into different forms, such as a visual memory or an acoustic memory, depending on the type of information being remembered.  

Once encoded, the information can then be stored. It is thought there are two ways that memories can be stored:

• Short-term store, where around seven items can be stored for about 30 seconds

• Long-term store, where unlimited items can be stored for a long time

Retrieving information from memory can come in three ways:

• Recognition, where information is recalled by recognising it and then remembering it, such as choosing the correct answer in a multiple-choice question

• Cued recall, where information is remembering with the help of a trigger or cue, such as a key word or visual image

• Free recall where information is retrieving without the need of any cues

Memory Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

You can use the Save My Exams revision notes to revise memory and the different types of memory as part of your GCSE Psychology studies. 

Explore Our GCSE Psychology Revision Resources