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The Science Of Memory

Memory Mastery: Understanding the Complexities of Remembering


Ivan Lo




“Memory is the faculty by which the brain encodes, stores and retrieves information”


-Psychology Today


Memory is one of the key elements to improved social interaction. It’s significance lies in recording past experiences that guide future action. There are a few types of memory processes that define our actions and memories, let’s dive into a few of them!



Encoding

Encoding, otherwise known as initial learning, is the process of initially acquiring information. It involves the brain's heightened attention to new stimuli, such as meeting new people or exploring unfamiliar places. Memorable events organize information in the brain's memory system, allowing for later retrieval. The effectiveness of retrieval often depends on how information was encoded initially and the cues available during recall.


There are 4 basic types of encoding, and knowledge/information that can help us to have better learning experiences:


  1. Acoustic encoding involves processing and encoding auditory input like sounds and words for later retrieval. It strengthens neural connections through associations with different sounds.


  1. Visual encoding is the process of encoding visual information such as images and colours. Visual sensory information is initially stored in iconic memory before transferring to long-term storage.


  1. Tactile encoding is the process of encoding based on the sense of touch, where neurons in the somatosensory cortex react to tactile stimuli, contributing to how objects feel.


  1. Semantic encoding is the process of encoding sensory inputs based on their meanings and relevance to specific contexts.


Moreover, these types of encoding are the ways that our brains remember things. Some of the elements that affect the way our brains encode are as follows:


  1. Attention: Paying sufficient attention to information is crucial for successful encoding. When individuals pay attention to learning material, it increases the likelihood that they can successfully encode information.


  1. Emotional significance: Emotionally significant events that contain severe emotions tend to be remembered more vividly. A brain structure known as Amygdala can enhance “memory consolidation”, making more emotional experiences more memorable.


  1. Rehearsal: Rehearsing or repeating information enhances and reviews information to the brain. In a similar way, individuals that expand their knowledge can improve memory retention.



Storage

Storage in memory maintains encoded information, the second crucial process for preserving data in the brain. It's active and selective, with the brain deciding where each piece of information goes among three main areas: sensory memory for brief retention, short-term memory (STM) for immediate processing, and long-term memory (LTM) for lasting storage.



  1. Sensory Memory: In the Atkinson-Shiffrin model, stimuli are initially processed in sensory memory, which briefly stores sensory events like tastes, sounds, and sights for a few seconds. Most sensory information is not retained because much of it is deemed unimportant or irrelevant to our immediate needs. For instance, details like what clothes a teacher wore may not be noticed or remembered if they adhere to an appropriate dress code. Only information perceived as important is transferred to our short-term memory system.


  1. Short-term memory (STM): Temporary storage system that processes and filters incoming sensory information deemed important. Similar to a computer, STM holds information briefly, typically for 15-30 seconds. It functions similar to visiting a website or viewing a document for a short period. Subsequently, information can either be transferred to long-term memory (comparable to saving to a hard drive or USB chip) or discarded (like deleting a document or closing a browser).


  1. Long-term memory (LTM): is a “continuous” storage of information. Unlike the other 2 types of memory, long-term storage “capacity” is believed to be unlimited. Within Long term memory, there are 2 types of long-term memories. 


  • Implicit memories: unconscious memories that include procedures (how to do things), priming (effects of prior stimulus exposure on responses), and emotional conditioning (learned emotional responses).


  • Explicit memories: consciously recalled memories that include episodic memories (events and experiences) and semantic memories (concepts and factual information). These memories are learned and retained separately from our experiences and daily lives.


Retrieval

Retrieval is the process of accessing and recalling information from long-term memory. It involves 2 primary processes:


  1. Recognition: Recognition includes identifying and finding previous information and/or stimuli. It relies on our abilities to match current information with stored replicas in the brain.


  1. Recall: Recall is known as retrieval of information from raw memory without external separate clues/cues. “It requires active reconstruction of previously acquired information.”


Factors influencing Retrieval

There are many different factors that influence and change the results of the retrieval process:


  1. Context-dependent memory: Memory retrieval is enhanced when retrieval information matches with the encoding context. The environmental/context/subject in which the information was encoded in serves as a significant clue


  1. Retrieval Cues: Retrieval cues are stimuli/hints that help to facilitate retrieval of information. New pieces of information with familiar cues improve retrieval performance.


  1. Interference: Interference happens when competing information clashes with the retrieval of a specific event/memory.



Tools to retrieve Memory


Mnemonic Devices- aids that help people remember and retain information, especially complex lists or long pieces of information. Here are some popular mnemonic techniques:

  1. Method of Loci: This technique involves associating pieces of information with specific locations or areas in a familiar environment, such as your home. By creating a mental map where each item is linked to a different room or spot, you can better recall the information by visualizing these locations.

  2. Acronyms: Acronyms are abbreviations formed by taking the first letter of each word in a list or phrase. They help condense information into easily remembered sequences. For example, "Stop Calling Me A Careless Zebra Instead Try Learning How Copper Saves Gold '' represents the reactivity series (Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, etc.).

  3. Visualization Techniques: Visualization involves creating vivid mental images associated with the information you want to remember. By visualizing memorable scenes or scenarios related to the topic, you can strengthen your memory and improve recall.

4. Retrieval Practice and Spaced Repetition- actively recalling information rather than passively rereading improves retention. This can be done by self-quizzing and verbal rehearsal.

Spaced repetition on the other hand is a mnemonic strategy that entails reviewing information at increasingly spaced intervals. By strategically spacing out study sessions, you enhance long-term memory retention and learning effectiveness.

5. Sleeping- Quality sleep plays a big role in memory.  During sleep, the brain processes newly acquired information and transfers it from short-term memory to long-term memory. Therefore establishing a consistent sleep routine and ensuring adequate sleeping hours are essential for optimal memory performance and memory boosts.


In conclusion, by understanding the complexities of memory masteries and memory processes, we can effectively enhance encoding, storage and retrieval as it can be crucial in changing the ways we behave and learn, as well as our lifestyle.





Sources

‌Nolen, J. L., & Ferguson, C. M. (2024, July 12). Mnemonic | Memory Aids, Strategies & Examples. Britannica. Retrieved July 22, 2024, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/mnemonic#ref1083376 

 
 
 

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