Memory & Learning
Learning forces the brain to continuously modify its own structure to better reflect the experiences that we had. Thus, it is a relatively permanent change in behavior that marks an increase in knowledge, skills, or understanding, thanks to our memories.
A memory is the fruit of this process. It leaves concrete traces in your neural networks, whereby it is easier to remember a new piece of information if you can associate it with previously acquired knowledge that is already firmly anchored in your memory. The more meaningful the association, the easier it is to remember.
We all formed associative memories of past events, based on particular preferences at that time. One thing reminding us of another, which reminds us of yet another, and so on. Instead of being a vast collection of data stored like books on shelves, most of our memories are reconstructions.
When we perceive an object, groups of neurons in different parts of our brain process the information about its shape, color, smell, sound, and so on. Then, our brain connects these different groups of neurons. These relationships constitute our perception of an object. When we remember an object, we rebuild these relationships.
The parallel processing done in the right hemisphere of your neo-cortex, alters your memory of an object.
