Chapter Seven: Memory

How We Remember

INTRODUCTION

Based on our knowledge of the memory system and how it works, here are the best strategies to use to remember more effectively.

WHAT'S AHEAD

• What's wrong with trying to memorize in a rote fashion when you're studying -- and what's a better strategy?
• Memory tricks are fun -- but are they always useful?

KEY CONCEPTS

Effective Encoding
Rehearsal
Mnemonics

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Effective Encoding (p.245)

INTRODUCTION

Sensory information is immediately encoded in STM. It is important to encode it accurately to begin with.

KEY CONCEPTS EXPLAINED

• Automatic accurate encoding.
  • Some information gets automatically encoded.

  • Example: the seat you usually sit in for this class (location) comes to mind even though you did not try to memorize where you were sitting.

• Effortful encoding
  • Most information requires effort to accurately encode.

  • Examples: When trying to learn something to remember text material for a test, you select main points, label concepts, associate the information with material you already know, rehearse, etc.

Rehearsal (p.245)

INTRODUCTION

The review and practice of material while learning, enhances the recollection of the information.

KEY CONCEPTS EXPLAINED

• Without rehearsal, the ability to recall information from the short term memory quickly falls off.

• Example of Rehearsal:
  
  
  • Repeating a telephone number you have just looked up keeps it in short term memory until you finish dialing the number.
    
    
• There may be several types of STM.
  
  
  • Each holds a different type of information -- e.g. visual information, abstract meanings, etc.

• Maintenance Rehearsal

  • Rote repetition which simply keeps the information available in STM.

  • Not very effective for long term memory.

• Elaborative Rehearsal (elaborative encoding)

  • Associate new items of information with material already stored.

  • Analyzing the physical, sensory, or semantic features of an item.

  • The more you elaborate an item, the better you will remember it.

• Deep Processing:
  
  
  • The effort to analyze the meaning of the item produces the best retention.

GLOSSARY

	maintenance rehearsal
	elaborative rehearsal
	deep processing

Mnemonics (p.247)

INTRODUCTION

Mnemonics are formal strategies and tricks for encoding, storing, and retaining information.

KEY CONCEPTS EXPLAINED

• Best mnemonics encourage active encoding.

• Mnemonics can be helpful by:
  • Reducing the amount of information via chunking.

  • Making material easier to store by making it more meaningful.

  • Making facts more "memorable."
    • Example: weaving the parts of the digestive system into a story about "twinky's great adventure."

• Mnemonics are not especially useful for ordinary tasks.
  • Easier to write your grocery list than try to memorize it.

• According to your authors, if you want a good memory follow their suggestions in this chapter's "Taking Psychology With You."

GLOSSARY

mnemonics

LINKS About Mnemonics

• www.link: A wide variety of mnenonmic techniques from Mind Tools.
• www.link: Lists of mnemonics for various topics.

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