Cognition involves a bundle of processes ranging from basic thinking to complex decision making. Needless to say that these cognitive or mental processes are indispensable to process information, understand their environment, and respond accordingly. In terms of memory, it is the fundamental cognitive capacity helps us to store, encode and retrieve information in need. In order to understand the role of memory in cognitive framework, it becomes compulsory to go through this complex relationship.
What does cognitive framework mean?
You can call this as an act of understanding or processing information to do routine activities. It includes thinking, reasoning, evaluation, analysis, decision making and problem solving. These cognitive processes play pivotal role in constructing specific pattern of thinking or beliefs on the basis of past experiences are called cognitive framework. It is also called “Schema”.
In simple terms, whatever we experience throughout our life decides ours belief system or pattern of specific thinking. In other words, our experiences determine ours way of thinking and Schema. We respond, act and behave instantly without conscious mental exercise due to this mental framework.
Cognition influences how we interpret experiences, allowing us to learn from past events and adapt our future behaviors. The interplay between memory and cognition plays a pivotal role in this process.
Understanding types of memory
Memory is a fundamental cognitive process that manages experiences, stores and put back into use in need. The three primary types of memory are sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.
Sensory memory
Sensory memory refers to the initial stage of memory processing. In short term memory, sensory information is briefly captured and held for a very short duration, typically less than a second. Sensory memory is essential for filtering information, ensuring that only relevant data transitions to short-term memory for further processing.
Short term memory is also called working memory as it is used to assist in problem solving, planning and reasoning. The capacity of short-term memory is finite. It emphasizes the need for effective strategies for retaining important information.
Long-term memory: Implicit and explicit
Long-term memory, in contrast, refers to the storage of information over extended periods, ranging from days to a lifetime. It is further divided into explicit and implicit memory, which involves conscious recollection of facts and events.
Implicit memory is also called procedural memory. It guides automatic behaviours and all physical skills like swimming, reading, or riding. Actually, it doesn’t need conscious recall like short term memory.
On the other hand, explicit memory provides tremendous long lasting storehouse for general facts and personal life events. It is also known as declarative memory
But, for learning, workable memory is essential as new concepts cannot be mastered unless working memory processes them and connect to prior knowledge stored in long term memory.
Relationship between memory and cognitive framework
Memory, being a fundamental cognitive ability plays a critical role in supporting various cognitive functions such as learning, reasoning, decision-making, and problem-solving. Both cognition and memory are mutually interdependent and can’t function without other.
For cognitive framework, memory provides database. And, in return, cognitive framework creates ‘Schema’ that determines how memories are encoded, stored or organized and retrieved. It means better the database greater the cognitive framework and vice-versa.
You know that quality of data retention is very important to store it for longer periods. The degree of retention dependents on the active engagement of student and attention.
Both memory and attention are mutually interdependent. Greater attention determines better information encoding and, better past memories help in locating attention. Simply, in order to get better engaged, you need to relate your past memories or experiences stored in long term memory.