A switchable resistive device has a multi-layer thin film structure interposed between an upper conductive electrode and a lower conductive electrode. The multi-layer thin film structure comprises a perovskite layer with one buffer layer on one side of the perovskite layer, or a perovskite layer with buffer layers on both sides of the perovskite layer. Reversible resistance changes are induced in the device under applied electrical pulses. The resistance changes of the device are retained after applied electric pulses. The selected duration of the electrical pulse is in the range of from about 8 nanosecond to about 100 milliseconds. The selected maximum value of the electrical pulse is in the range of from about 1 V to about 150 V. The electrical pulse may have square, saw-toothed, triangular, sine, oscillating or other waveforms, and may be of positive or negative polarity.