Final answer:
Memory is the process of encoding, storing, and retrieving information for future use, involving functions that are critical for learning and daily activities. The brain encodes information, stores it for permanent retention, and retrieves it when needed, a process supported by brain plasticity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Memory Functions-
The ability to gain, store, retain, and recall information in the brain for later application is known as memory. Memory plays a critical role in our daily lives, allowing us to learn from experiences and apply knowledge. The three basic functions of memory are encoding, storage, and retrieval. Encoding is the initial learning of information; storage refers to maintaining information over time; retrieval is the ability to access the information when it is needed, akin to locating and opening a document on a computer's hard drive.
According to the Atkinson-Shiffrin model of memory, information first enters our sensory memory before transferring to short-term memory and, with rehearsal, moving to long-term memory for permanent storage. Storage is the creation of a permanent record, and is facilitated by parts of the brain such as the hippocampus. Our retrieval capability is crucial for performing daily tasks, from personal hygiene to complex job-related activities.
The brain's plasticity allows it to remodel itself based on experiences, which is essential for the formation of new memories and learning. The capacity for memory is vast, and understanding how we process, store, and retrieve different types of memories is important for comprehending human cognition and behavior.