Role of Memory Formation (with Emphasis on Hippocampal Memory Formation) and Retrieval in Cognitive Learning

Abstract

We are virtually learning all the time from our sensory stimuli. Sometimes we do it consciously and sometimes unconsciously. Basically, we absorb certain information from outside, convert them to suit our physiology and process them to guide our behaviour and thoughts and that is the essence of learning. Cognitive science largely attributes this entire process to the brain, which is the main processing center for information, in a human body. Cognitive learning is associated with ''thinking with the brain'', to learn, however, renowned psychologists have confirmed that the human mind is not that developed to think. Thinking can be 'slow, effortful and uncertain', hence we have to rely on our past habits and memories to guide our actions, so that we do not have to think deliberately and deeply. This study aims to understand the role of memory formation in cognitive learning; we will also discuss the role of hippocampus in memory building and storing, based on established scientific theories, case studies and experiments. Retrieval of memories is also required to further cognitive learning, for if we cannot remember what we have learned, the stored the process previous information will be of no use; learning will not take place. In the paper, we will discuss about the effective ways in which stored memory can be retrieved easily, and help in learning.