Human Memory | Class 11 Psychology Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 3 min read
Human Memory – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of Human Memory from Class 11 Psychology, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.
Types of Long-term Memory
Long-term memory (LTM) is not a single unitary system but consists of various types of memory storing different kinds of information. One major classification divides LTM into declarative and procedural memory. Declarative memory involves facts, names, dates, and general knowledge that can be verbally described, such as knowing that a rickshaw has three wheels or that India became independent on August 15, 1947. Procedural memory, on the other hand, refers to memories of how to perform tasks and skills, such as riding a bicycle, making tea, or playing basketball. Procedural memories are difficult to verbalize. Tulving further classified declarative memory into episodic and semantic memory. Episodic memory contains autobiographical details and personal life experiences, often emotional in nature, such as remembering how you felt when you stood first in class. Semantic memory contains general knowledge and concepts, such as meanings of words, facts, and rules of logic, which are affect-neutral and not tied to specific times or events. Other phenomena related to LTM include flashbulb memories (detailed memories of surprising events), autobiographical memory (personal memories unevenly distributed across life), and implicit memory (unconscious memories influencing behavior).
🧪 Activity: Activity 6.2: Writing about vivid personal events from early school days and recent months to compare episodic memory characteristics.
🔗 Connection: Understanding types of LTM leads to methods of memory measurement and causes of forgetting.
Frequently asked questions
I. Try to remember the following list of digits (individual digits) 19254981121 Now try to memorise them in the following groups: 19254981121 Finally memorise them in the following manner: 1² 3² 5² 7² 9² 11² What difference do you observe? II. Read out the lists given below in a row at the speed of one digit per second to your friend and ask her/him to repeat all the digits in the same order: | List | Digits | | --- | --- | | 1 (6 digits) | 2-6-3-8-3-4 | | 2 (7 digits) | 7-4-8-2-4-1-2 | | 3 (8 digits) | 4-3-7-2-9-0-3-6 | | 4 (10 digits) | 9-2-4-1-7-8-2-6-5-3 | | 5 (12 digits) | 8-2-5-4-7-4-7-7-3-9-1-6 | Remember that your friend will recall the digits as soon as you finish the list. Note how many digits are recalled. The memory score of your friend will be the number of digits correctly recalled by her/him. Discuss your findings with your classmates and teacher.
Part I: When you try to remember the digits as individual digits (19254981121), it is difficult to recall all digits correctly because the number of digits exceeds the typical STM capacity (7 ± 2). When you try to memorize them in groups (chunking), it becomes easier to remember because chunking reduces the number of units to be remembered. Finally, when you memorize them as squares of odd numbers (1² 3² 5² 7² 9² 11²), it becomes even easier because you are associating the digits with meaningful
1. What is the meaning of the terms 'encoding', 'storage' and 'retrieval'?
Encoding is the process of converting sensory input into a form that can be stored in memory. Storage refers to maintaining the encoded information over time. Retrieval is the process of accessing and bringing stored information into conscious awareness when needed.
2. How is information processed through sensory, short-term and long-term memory systems?
Information first enters sensory memory where it is briefly held in its raw sensory form. If attended to, it moves into short-term memory (STM), where it is held temporarily and can be manipulated. Through rehearsal and encoding, information can be transferred to long-term memory (LTM), where it is stored more permanently and can be retrieved later.
3. How are maintenance rehearsals different from elaborative rehearsals?
Maintenance rehearsal involves simple, repetitive review of information to keep it in short-term memory. Elaborative rehearsal involves linking new information with existing knowledge, creating meaningful associations to facilitate transfer to long-term memory.
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- अभिप्रेरणा एवं संवेग | Class 11 Psychology Notes
Clear NCERT-aligned notes on अभिप्रेरणा एवं संवेग for Class 11 Psychology.
- अभिप्रेरणा एवं संवेग | Class 11 Psychology Notes
Clear NCERT-aligned notes on अभिप्रेरणा एवं संवेग for Class 11 Psychology.