Sensory Memory In Psychology: Definition & Examples | Psychology for UPSC Optional (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

Sensory memory plays a crucial role in the human cognitive system by acting as a very short-term memory store for information processed by the sense organs. This article provides an in-depth understanding of sensory memory, exploring its definition, types, and examples. The research conducted by George Sperling in the field of sensory memory is also discussed to shed light on its workings.

What is Sensory Memory?

Sensory memory can be defined as a brief storage of information in humans, where information is momentarily registered until it is recognized and potentially transferred to short-term memory (Tripathy & Öǧmen, 2018). It allows for the retention of sensory impressions even after the original stimulus ceases (Coltheart, 1980). Our visual, auditory, tactile, gustatory, and olfactory senses constantly absorb a vast amount of information throughout our lives (Coltheart, 1980). Sensory memory serves as a snapshot of our environment, holding onto this information for several hundred milliseconds while we focus on relevant details. Attention plays a crucial role in the transfer of data from sensory memory to short-term memory.

Types of Sensory Memory

Sensory memory can be further classified into different subsystems known as sensory registers. These registers include iconic, echoic, haptic, olfactory, and gustatory memory (Sperling, 1960).

Iconic Memory

Iconic memory refers to the visual sensory memory register responsible for storing visual images after the stimulus has ceased (Pratte, 2018). Although iconic memory has a large capacity, it rapidly declines over time (Sperling, 1960). Typically, information stored in iconic memory disappears within half a second, depending on the brightness (Ellis, 1987). For instance, when closing your eyes for a minute and then opening them while holding your hand about 25cm away, you may observe an image of your hand that quickly fades away.

Examples of Iconic Memory include:

• Seeing an ant on the wall
• Spotting an aircraft in the sky while walking down the road
• Noticing the change in traffic lights

Recent studies have explored the hypothesis that iconic memory comprises both fine-grained and coarse-grained memory traces (Cappiello & Zhang, 2016). Mathematical models have been employed to quantify these traces, suggesting that the dual-trace iconic memory model may outperform the single-trace model.

Echoic Memory

Echoic memory is the sensory memory responsible for processing incoming auditory information or sounds (Darwin, Turvey & Crowder, 1972). Sounds we hear are initially sensed by the hair cells in our ears and further processed in the temporal lobe. Echoic memories typically persist for 2 to 3 seconds (Darwin, Turvey & Crowder, 1972). To experience echoic memory, one can simply clap their hands together and notice how the sound lingers for a brief period before fading away.

Examples of Echoic Memory include:

• Hearing the bark of a dog
• Listening to the whistle of a police officer
• Noticing the horn of a car

Recent advancements, such as the use of the Mismatch Negativity (MMN) paradigm with MEG and EEG recordings, have provided valuable insights into the characteristics and functions of echoic memory (Sabri et al., 2003). Language acquisition and change detection have been identified as important functions associated with echoic memory.

Haptic Memory

Haptic memory refers to the sensory memory associated with the sense of touch or tactile perception (Gibson, 1962). It involves the registration and retention of information about texture, temperature, pressure, and other tactile qualities (Coltheart, 1980). Haptic memory allows us to recognize objects and interact with our environment through touch. For example, if you close your eyes and touch a rough surface, you can still recall the texture even after removing your hand.

Examples of Haptic Memory include:

• Feeling the smoothness of a silk fabric
• Recognizing the roughness of sandpaper
• Perceiving the temperature of a hot cup of coffee

Haptic memory has been studied extensively in relation to object recognition and identification (Lederman & Klatzky, 1987). Researchers have explored how haptic information is encoded, stored, and retrieved in the memory system.

Olfactory Memory

Olfactory memory is the sensory memory associated with the sense of smell. It involves the retention of odors and the associated experiences or memories they evoke (Herz & Cupchik, 1992). The olfactory system has strong connections to the limbic system, which is involved in emotion and memory processing. Olfactory memory has a powerful effect on our emotions, as certain scents can trigger vivid memories and evoke strong emotional responses.

Examples of Olfactory Memory include:

• Recalling the scent of freshly baked cookies
• Remembering the smell of a loved one's perfume/cologne
• Associating the smell of a certain flower with a specific memory

Research has shown that olfactory memory can be highly context-dependent, and scents can be used to enhance memory retrieval (Willander & Larsson, 2007). Olfactory memory has also been investigated in relation to its potential therapeutic applications, such as the use of specific scents to alleviate stress or improve cognitive function.

Gustatory Memory

Gustatory memory pertains to the sensory memory associated with the sense of taste. It involves the retention of taste sensations and the memories they elicit (Kohler & Reid, 1999). Our taste buds enable us to perceive various tastes, such as sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. Gustatory memory allows us to recognize flavors, associate them with specific foods or experiences, and recall them later.

Examples of Gustatory Memory include:

• Remembering the taste of a favorite dish
• Associating the taste of a particular fruit with a childhood memory
• Recalling the flavor of a favorite ice cream

Gustatory memory has been studied in the context of taste perception and its relationship with other sensory modalities (Yarrow et al., 2002). Researchers have explored how taste memories are formed, consolidated, and retrieved, as well as their interactions with other sensory memories.

Conclusion

Sensory memory is a crucial component of human cognition, providing a temporary storage system for sensory information before it is processed further or forgotten. It consists of different subsystems, including iconic, echoic, haptic, olfactory, and gustatory memory, each corresponding to a specific sensory modality. These sensory memories allow us to perceive, recognize, and remember the sights, sounds, touches, smells, and tastes that shape our experiences. Understanding sensory memory is essential in unraveling the complexities of human perception, cognition, and memory processes.