Memory & memory techniques

 MEMORY AND MEMORY TECHNIQUES

Memory is the faculty of the brain by which data or information is encoded, stored, and retrieved when needed. It is the retention of information over time for the purpose of influencing future action. According to Ryburn, memory is the power that we have to store our experiences and to bring them into the field of our consciousness sometime after the experiences have occurred. 

The term memory or the process of memorization cannot be viewed merely in terms of reproduction or revival of past experiences or learning, it is quite a complex process which involves factors like learning, retention, recall and recognition.

Major types of memory

• Sensory Memory

• Short-Term  Memory

• Long-Term Memory

Sensory Memory

This is the shortest-term memory that has the ability to retain impressions of sensory information after the original stimuli have ended.  Sensory memory is one of several memory types that make up your ability to process and recall what you see. Sensory memory is a brief precursor to short-term memory that allows you to process and recall the sensations you take in.

Short-Term  Memory

Also knows as  working memory,primary or active memory. It is the capacity for holding, but not manipulating, a small amount of information in mind in an active, readily available state for a short period of time. For example, short-term memory can be used to remember a phone number that has just been recited. It is often referred to as "the brain's Post-it note". It has the ability to remember and process information simultaneously. It retains a small amount of information, for a short span of time typically ranging from 10 to 15 seconds, or sometimes up to a minute.

Long-Term Memory

It stores information over a long period of time. Long-term memory refers to the storage of information over an extended period. If you can remember something that happened more than just a few moments ago, whether it occurred just hours ago or decades earlier, then it is a long-term memory. Short-term memories can become long-term memory through the process of consolidation that involves rehearsal and meaningful association. Mainly two types. 

1. Explict memory

2. Implicit memory

1. Explict memory : Also known as declarative memory, It is the conscious, intentional recollection of factual information, previous experiences, and concepts. 

Declarative memory or explicit memory  can be further sub-divided into episodic memory and semantic memory.

a. Episodic memory : It represents the memory of experiences and specific events occurred in specific time in a serial form, from which one can reconstruct the actual events that took place at any given point of life.It is defined as the ability to recall and mentally re experience specific episodes from one's personal past.

b. Semantic memory : It is a term used for the long-term memory store in which conceptual information is represented, including semantic (meaning) and lexical (word) information, as well as facts about the world It is a more structured record of facts, meanings, concepts and knowledge about the external world that one have acquired. It therefore includes such things as types of food, capital cities, social customs, functions of objects, vocabulary, understanding of mathematics, etc.

2. Implicit memory : Also known as procedural or automatic  memory  It is the unconscious memory of skills and procedures of how to do things, particularly the use of objects or movements of the body. These memories are typically acquired through repetition and practice, and are composed of automatic sensory motor behaviors that are so deeply embedded that we are no longer aware of them. The performance of implicit memory is enabled by previous experiences, no matter how long ago those experiences occurred.

METHODS OF MEMORIZING

• Repeated Recitation : Practice of repetition by reciting several times.

• Whole versus Part Learning : In the whole method of learning, the entire lesson is practised repeatedly until it is mastered, while in the part method of learning the lesson to be learned is broken down in to several small lessons that are practised separately until it is mastered. The ‘whole method’ results in permanent memory where as ‘part method’ yields good immediate memory. 

• Spaced and Un-Spaced Learning : Un-spaced learning involves repeating a lesson till one has mastered it in one sitting whereas spaced learning involves learn the lesson once or twice a day till one has mastered it. The latter is found more effective.

Spaced learning yields better result for permanent memory while un-spaced learning is good for immediate memory.

• Cramming and Logical Memory : It involves unintelligent memorization by absorbing large amount of information in a short period of time. It fails to establish associations between the matter and other ideas in the mind.  While logical memory involves intelligent memorizing of a sensible material that involves grasping the meaningful association of matter is far more effective. It helps in fixing the matter more durably and enables to accomplish much for permanent knowledge.

• Intention to Remember : The  key factor to remembering is intentional learning. It is the output of will to learn’ which is necessary for accomplishing learning.

MEMORY TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE LEARNING CAPACITIES

• Organize Learning Space : The learner needs to stay focused has to make sure that the learning space is clear of clutter and has all the materials needed for the study session.

• Visualize Information : This technique uses spatial memory and other information that are familiar to the learner in order to visualize and recall information quickly through mental process. 

• Acronyms and Mnemonics : Mnemonics are memory devices. Mnemonics aim to translate information into the form that the brain can retain better than its original form. Mnemonics make use of elaborative encoding, retrieval cues, and imagery as specific tools. They are special techniques consciously used to improve memory. It helps to recall the information from long term  memory  quiet  easier. It may be in the form of acronym, visuals, short poems and phrases.

For eg, “May I have a large container of coffee” is a mnemonic code to memorise pi value.

• Image-name Associations: Memory can be enhanced by image-name associations. Recalling names can be made easier by associating images and names in a clever and unique way. 

• Chaining Technique : It involves creating a story or sentence around a bit of information so that it can be easily recalled.

• Learn by Doing : To learn a concept is to do that concept

• Study in Different Locations: Memory can be triggered by different cues present in the learners’ environment. Try moving to a new spot to link information which can easily retain.

• Revisit the Material : Review the material studied a couple days after the study session. Prepare a mental note of studied matter.

• Acrostic : This technique of memorization is very similar to acronyms. The difference is that, instead of creating a new word, each first letter is converted into a captive statement that can be easily remembered by the learner.

For eg : “Some people can fly” is a mnemonic technique to memorize four stages of Piagets cognitive development.

• Rhyme-Keys : the learner creates a numbered list that needs to remain in order. First, the learner will have to associate a particular word with a number, and usually this association stays constant for all lists. Then, the word list becomes part of a story where the associated word is attached to the list in an interesting way.

• Keyword : The learner can create a visual or rhyme with words already known to recall the new term.

More over Sleep on It, Detailing, Learn by Mistake, Repetition–Listening, Repetition–Doing, Repetition–Reading, Organizing the matter to be remembered in the form of a list in a predictable flow can help one to piece together the missing information, Story Lining, Dramatization, Preparing hand-written notes and assignments promotes memory.

Memory is the ability to take in information, store it, and recall it at a later time. Memory is often understood as an informational processing system with explicit and implicit functioning that is made up of a sensory processor, short-term (or working) memory, and long-term memory.