Memory-Boosting Tips and Facts

Understanding Memory

Memory is the learning that has persisted over time and the information that has been stored and can be retrieved. In large part, you are what you remember.
Fortunately, we have “unlimited storage” for our brain memory. Atkinson-Shiffrin classified our memories into a “Three-Stage Model of Memory”: Sensory Memory, Short-Term Memory, and Long-Term Memory. Psychologists have done experiments and found that only 1% of the information we perceive (sensory memory) is taken into our short-term memory, which means we forget 99% of the information. The Short term memory then can transfer to long term memory as we consolidate the memory. The long term memory also retrieves information back to short term memory when we need to recall it after a long period of time.
Iconic Memory is the sensory input to the visual system when we see a picture for less than a second. It helps us when we need to quickly process visual information, such as driving.
Echoic Memory is auditory memory that can hold for 3 seconds. This echoic sound can be replayed in our minds. It helps us when we need to understand spoken language in a conversation.
Haptic Memory is the memory used by the sense of touch and it can only last 2 seconds. It helps us when we need to feel the shape and texture of objects.
Exceptional Memory is the ability to recall detailed memory, such as names and dates.

The Process of Memory

Automatic Processing is our brain processing the information in our environment that we don’t not even need to think about. It is part of our implicit “unconscious” memory. It includes procedural memory, long term memory with no conscious awareness such as riding a bike.
Effortful Processing is paying attention and making an effort to take in information. An example is listening to a lecture because we must focus our attention in order to understand the lessons taught. Moreover, effortful processing is part of our “explicit “conscious” memory. It includes episodic memory (memories of events), semantic memory (memories of facts), flashbulb memory (detailed memories of significant events),and eidetic memory (clear memories as if you put yourself back in your shoes).
Our brain can do many things at once, called parallel processing, just like how computers do things in sequence, called serial processing.
The Information- Processing Model states that there are three stages of memory: encoding, storage and retrieval.
The Levels of Processing Model (Fergus Craik and Robert Lockhart) states that how well we remember information depends on if we use shallow processing or deep processing. Shallow processing is encoding on a simple and basic level, such as reading through your notes. Deep processing is when we attach meaning to the information and create connections between the new memory and information we already know, such as self-referencing when you learn a fact.
Quote by Ebbinghaus: “Learning takes one-tenth of the effort when it is meaningful.”

Methods to Improve Memory and Learning

Chunking: combine bits of related information. For example, 525-000-333 is easier to remember than 525000333.
Mnemonics: use memory aids when encoding information. For example, the peg word system uses words that rhyme with the vocabulary to make it easier to remember.
Method of Loci: Associate a list of words with visualization of places on a familiar path. For example, when memorizing the structures of the eye, picture as if you are walking into your house and assign each structure to an object or place in your house.
Distributed Practice (Hermann Ebbinghaus): Instead of cramming, break the information into many study sessions and take breaks in between.
Maintenance Rehearsal: Repeating the information can increase the length of time information can be stored in our short-term memory. For example, keep repeating a list of things you need to do: “laundry, trash, dishes, laundry, trash dishes, laundry trash dishes…”
Testing Effect: Test yourself using practice tests to see if you have remembered the information you.
Gestalt: Before you go into the details of the content you need to study, it is better to get a big picture of the content first. This can be done through watching summary videos or reading the main ideas.
Dual Encoding: use multiple methods of processing to remember (photos+ words)
The term “focused attention” explains that we can only focus on one particular stimulus in our environment. We can switch from stimulus to stimulus consciously while the brain processes everything else, but we cannot do two things at once. So, it is more efficient to focus on one task at a time and avoid task switching.
Use specific cues during the test, such as a particular word or phrase that may prime your memory to retrieve information about the topic. For example, if you are studying for a history test and you see a list of related terms, “Stamp Act, Tea Party Act, Currency Act”, this may prime your memory to be able to recall information about these topics during the test.
The Serial Positioning Effect states that you will be more likely to remember the information you study at the beginning and end. One study strategy could be to start with the most important information or save them to the end.

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