Memory is an ability that many of us take for granted and may not know much about despite the crucial role it plays in our daily lives. Memory is the persistence of learning throughout time, and it consists of three parts: encoding, storage, and retrieval. Encoding is the processing of information into the brain. There are an abundance of methods to improve our ability to properly encode, but some have proven to be more effective than others. One method that is commonly used is mnemonic devices. Mnemonic devices are memory aids which use imagery. Some examples include anecdotes, rhymes, songs, or acronyms. Another trick to encoding is the self-reference effect. Many studies have shown that if an individual encodes information by associating it with personal events or interests, it becomes more likely that the individual will recall the information accurately. Above all, however, the most effective method of encoding is distributed practice. This means studying or practicing little by little over time as opposed to cramming.
Next, an individual must store the information. In simple words, this means retaining the information, and the most effective method to do so is to rehearse it. Rehearsal is the act of repeating information constantly in order to semantically process and store it in the short-term memory and eventually the long-term memory. Lastly, the final component in memory is retrieval, and this means recalling the information encoded and stored. Many environmental factors can influence our ability to recall information at any given moment, and sometimes retrieval may just be blocked though it is properly encoded and stored. Just think about it, have you ever been in a situation where you were unable to think of a certain, familiar word, but were able to recall other words of similar meaning? If so, that was a moment when your retrieval was blocked!
Memory truly is fascinating, and it’s a concept with still much more to be discovered. There are still more questions to be answered and more studies to be conducted, and that’s what makes it so intriguing!
Discussion Questions:
Have you ever used a mnemonic device? If so, describe the experience.
Do you believe that distributed practice is effective? Why or why not?
Can you think of any other subjects or concepts that are still studied constantly today?
Vocabulary:
Take for granted: fail to properly appreciate (someone or something), especially as a result of overfamiliarity
Crucial: of great importance
Persistence: the continued or prolonged existence of something
Process: perform a series of mechanical or chemical operations on (something) in order to change or preserve it
Imagery: the use of words or pictures to describe ideas or actions in poems, books, films etc
Cram: study intensively over a short period of time just before an examination
Retain: keep in one’s memory
Semantic: relating to the meanings of words
Component: one of several parts that together make up a whole machine, system etc
Recall: to remember a particular fact, event, or situation from the past
