Final answer:
The discussion touches on the psychology of memory, particularly the Atkinson-Shiffrin model which describes sensory, short-term, and long-term memory stages. Memory performs encoding, storage, and retrieval functions, and these stages and processes are crucial for creating and recalling memories. Different encoding methods impact memory retention and recall.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Functions and Stages of Memory
The subject in question falls within the realm of psychology, as it directly relates to cognitive processes, specifically memory. When discussing the performance evaluation of parallel processors in the context of human memory, it's important to understand that memory operates in stages and performs several functions. The Atkinson-Shiffrin model illustrates these stages as sensory memory, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory. In this model, environmental stimuli first enter the sensory memory, with a very brief storage time, before some of it moves to short-term memory. With rehearsal, information can then be stored in long-term memory.
The three basic functions of memory are encoding, storage, and retrieval. Encoding is the process of getting information into our memory system, which could occur through automatic or effortful processing. Following encoding is storage, which is the retention of the information, and, finally, retrieval, the process of getting the stored information back into conscious awareness. It's essential to note that while sensory and short-term memories have limited capacities and durations, long-term memory has a practically limitless storage capacity, divided into implicit and explicit memory. The variations in encoding methods, such as visual, acoustic, and semantic encoding, can also affect the strength and durability of the memorized information.