How Memory Works: Sensory, Short-term & Long-term Explained Simply

Memory is one of the most fascinating topics in NCERT Psychology. Chapter 7 breaks it down into three stages: Sensory Memory, Short-Term Memory (STM), and Long-Term Memory (LTM).

Sensory Memory holds information from your senses for just 1–3 seconds. Think of it as a snapshot your brain takes of the world around you.

Short-Term Memory can hold about 7 (±2) items for 15–30 seconds. This is your "working memory" — where you keep a phone number while dialing it.

• *Explicit (Declarative)*: Facts and events you can consciously recall
• *Implicit (Non-declarative)*: Skills and habits you perform automatically

Why does this matter for boards? CBSE loves asking "What are the types of memory?" and "Distinguish between STM and LTM." Knowing these definitions plus examples will earn you full marks.

Exam Tip: Use the acronym SSL — Sensory → Short-term → Long-term — to remember the flow.