Memory is the mental capacity to store, retain, and recall information. It plays a crucial role in learning and influences our daily lives by allowing us to remember past experiences, facts, and skills. Memory can be categorized into different types, such as short-term memory and long-term memory, each serving distinct functions in our cognitive processes.
The process of memory involves encoding, storage, and retrieval. Encoding transforms information into a format that can be stored, while storage refers to maintaining that information over time. Finally, retrieval is the ability to access and use the stored information when needed, which is essential for effective functioning in everyday life.