Sensory memory is a type of short-term memory that stores information about sensory input. It is a fast and transient storage system that holds data for a fraction of seconds before it is either forgotten or encoded into long-term memory. Sensory memory is divided into three types: iconic memory, echoic memory, and haptic memory. Iconic memory is the visual sensory memory, echoic memory is the auditory sensory memory, and haptic memory is the tactile sensory memory (Von Wright, 2017).
Studies have shown that iconic memory is the most robust form of sensory memory. It is able to store a large amount of information and is able to hold on to it longer than echoic and haptic memory (Sperling, 1960). Iconic memory can be used to recognize objects, faces, and locations quickly. It is also used to identify patterns and to recall past experiences (Von Wright, 2017).
Echoic memory is the auditory form of sensory memory, which is used to store and recall sound-based information. It is able to store information for a few seconds before it is forgotten (Glanzer & Adams, 1975). Echoic memory is used to identify and recognize spoken words, distinguish between different sounds, and to recall sound-based events.
Haptic memory is the tactile form of sensory memory. It is used to store and recall information about physical touch. It is able to store information for a short period of time, usually between 2-4 seconds (Phillips & Christie, 2012). Haptic memory is used to recognize objects by touch, distinguish between different textures, and to recall past experiences.
In conclusion, sensory memory is a type of short-term memory that stores information about sensory input. It is divided into three types: iconic memory, echoic memory, and haptic memory. Iconic memory is the visual sensory memory, echoic memory is the auditory sensory memory, and haptic memory is the tactile sensory memory. Each type of sensory memory is used to store and recall specific types of information.
References
Glanzer, M., & Adams, J. W. (1975). Memory spans for spoken words and nonwords. Memory & Cognition, 3(6), 595–596. https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03197547
Phillips, W.A., & Christie, I.C. (2012). Haptic memory in young and older adults. Memory & Cognition, 40(2), 191-201. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13421-011-0134-2
Sperling, G. (1960). The information available in brief visual presentations. Psychological Monographs: General and Applied, 74(11), 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0093845
Von Wright, J. (2017). Sensory memory. In The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the Cognitive Sciences (pp. 545-546). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781316115072.062