Sensory memory deals with incoming stimuli from our senses. These are sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touches. A separate partition of sensory memory exists for each of the senses.

Sensory memories extinguish extremely quickly. (About half a second for visual information, about 3 seconds for auditory information). In that time, we must identify, classify and assign meaning to the newly presented information or else it will be gone forever.

While looking at the picture below, quickly shut your eyes, and keep them shut for a few seconds. Repeat this several times.

As soon as you shut your eyes you may have noticed an image of the picture remaining for a split second "somewhere in your minds' eye". This demonstrates the operation of the partition of your sensory memory that deals with visual perceptions. This is not restricted to blinking at pictures. Look at anything around you and it will still occur.

Next: Long Term Memory

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