Memory & Information Processing

An introduction

The psychological study of memory and information processing stands as one of the most transformative fields in understanding the human mind, tracing back to Hermann Ebbinghaus in the late 19th century (1885), who pioneered experimental studies on memory and introduced the "forgetting curve." In the mid-20th century, the field evolved rapidly with the advent of cognitive psychology. Influential figures like George A. Miller, whose 1956 paper “The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two” highlighted the limits of working memory, and Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968), who proposed the multi-store model of memory, laid foundational frameworks. Meanwhile, Alan Baddeley and Graham Hitch (1974) expanded on short-term memory with the concept of working memory, offering a dynamic system rather than a static store. These discoveries unravelled how we encode, store, and retrieve information - processes central to learning, decision-making, and behaviour. At a personal level, understanding memory empowers individuals to enhance learning, manage trauma, and foster cognitive resilience. On a societal scale, it informs education, mental health interventions, and aging care, promoting a healthier, more informed, and empathetic society. This field continues to illuminate the delicate architecture of the mind, guiding us toward both personal growth and collective well-being. Christian psychology emphasises that memory is a valuable psychological tool used for daily practice of the presence of God, worship, recalling God's faithfulness, and avoiding the repeat of past mistakes. Forgetting God's works is a spiritual danger that can lead to arrogance, depression, or disobedience, whilst using memory to reflect on His past actions inspires trust, joy, and worship.