Memory might seem like a mystery. People remember childhood events yet forget what they were talking about a minute ago. They remember how to ride a bike but forget when they learned how. They forget events that happened to them and “remember” events that never happened.

Now that you have read this chapter, these facts about memory should no longer seem mysterious. The distinctions among types of memory that you’ve learned, and the research and theory supporting these distinctions, explain such memory successes and failures. Sure, you might forget what you were talking about a minute ago—but it’s not just you. Information in everybody’s short-term memory fades quickly. Yes, quiz show winners remember a lot of information—but it’s not just them. Long-term memory gives everybody the ability to retain vast amounts of information.

In the chapters ahead, you will continue to see memory at work. Our abilities to recognize and think about everyday objects, to understand and produce language, and to solve problems rely on our memory.

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Chapter Review Now that you have completed this chapter, be sure to turn to Appendix B, where you will find a Chapter Summary that is useful for reviewing what you have learned about memory.