Lewis' theory of active and inactive memory is an important approach in the field of cognitive psychology that focuses on how people process and store information in their memory. This theory, proposed by psychologist Gordon H. Bower in the 1970s, has been fundamental to understanding how human memory works and how past events are remembered.
Active and inactive memory
According to Lewis's theory of active and inactive memory, memory is divided into two main components: active memory and inactive memory. Active memory refers to information that is being actively processed at a given moment, while inactive memory encompasses information that is stored but is not being used at the present moment.
Active memory
Active memory is similar to "working memory" in other psychological models, where information is temporarily kept available to perform specific cognitive tasks. For example, when you are trying to remember a phone number that someone just told you, that information is in your active memory while you dial. Once the task is completed, that number is usually moved to inactive memory.
Inactive memory
On the other hand, inactive memory stores information that is not immediately needed but has been previously learned and stored. This information can be retrieved when necessary, but in its inactive state, it is not taking up cognitive resources. For example, childhood memories that are not often recalled but can be recalled when thinking about a related topic.
Memory processes
Memory theory Lewis' active and inactive also addresses the processes involved in memory formation and retrieval. According to this theory, active memory is created through processes of encoding, storing, and retrieving information, while inactive memory is formed through the consolidation of long-term memory.
Coding
Encoding is the process by which information is transformed into a form that can be stored in memory. In active memory, encoding is usually rapid and focuses on information relevant to the current task. In inactive memory, encoding is deeper and more lasting, allowing information to be maintained over time.
Storage
Once information has been encoded , is stored in memory according to its importance and relevance. In active memory, information remains accessible as long as it is needed to perform a specific task. In inactive memory, information is stored in long-term memory more permanently, although it may require effort to recall.
Retrieval
The retrieval of information stored in memory. Memory is crucial for cognitive functioning. Both active memory and inactive memory are involved in the retrieval process, as relevant information must be retrieved to perform specific tasks. Active memory facilitates rapid retrieval of relevant information, while inactive memory provides long-term storage of past memories that can be recalled when necessary.
Clinical Applications
Lewis's theory of active and inactive memory has had important implications in clinical practice and research in psychology. Understanding how memory works and how information is stored in different states has been essential for the treatment of memory and cognition disorders.
Memory disorders
In patients with For memory disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, understanding how active and inactive memory works can help design more effective therapeutic interventions. By focusing on improving active memory for daily tasks and preserving inactive memory for important memories, personalized strategies can be developed to improve patients' quality of life.
Neuroscience Research
Lewis' theory of active and inactive memory has also been fundamental in research in cognitive neuroscience, where the structure and function of the brain is studied in relation to memory and learning. Using neuroimaging techniques, researchers can observe brain activity during memory formation and retrieval, providing valuable information about the neural mechanisms involved in these processes.
Conclusions
In summary, Lewis's theory of active and inactive memory is an important approach in cognitive psychology that has contributed significantly to our understanding of how human memory works. By dividing memory into active and inactive components and analyzing the processes of encoding, storage and retrieval, this theory gives us a useful perspective to investigate and address memory disorders and improve cognitive processes in general.