There are three types of memory: **sensory memory**, **short-term memory**, and **long-term memory**. Information processing begins in sensory memory, moves to short-term memory, and eventually moves into long-term memory³.
Sensory memory is the shortest-term element of memory. It is the ability to retain impressions of sensory information after the original stimuli have ended¹.
Short-term memory is also called working memory. It is the information we are currently aware of or thinking about. It has a limited capacity and duration⁴.
Long-term memory is the ability to store and recall information for later use. It is the largest part of your memory and can be broken down into three categories: **episodic**, **procedural**, and **semantic**¹.
Episodic memory is the ability to remember specific events in time. Procedural memory is the ability to remember how to perform a task or activity. Semantic memory is the ability to remember general knowledge and concepts that are not tied to specific events¹.
When new information enters our brain, it first passes through sensory or short-term memory stages before moving into long-term memory¹.