The mysteries of how memory works are explained in a new book that suggests that anyone can increase their capacity to remember and that losing keys is normal. Doctors Megan Sumeracki and Althea Need Kaminske describe in their new book The Psychology of Memory simple techniques to stimulate memory to improve learning or help remember names and numbers.
In this way, they assure that storing and retrieving information is much more complex than people think. Extreme forms of memory, such as photographic or wise memory, are also very rare despite their common representation in movies. Therefore, they emphasize how it is natural to have a certain degree of forgetfulness that allows the brain to remember more general information. Memory does not work like a recording device, they say, but “more like a Wiki page” because details can be edited.
The authors, both psychologists based in the United States, call for a greater understanding of how memory really works, as it can have a real-life impact. For example, they suggest that potential jury members should be taught how memory works, as it is possible that crime victims may not be believed in court because their memories are inconsistent, although this is perfectly normal.
Kaminske writes: “People remember information better when they process it in a context relevant to their physical state, like being stranded in the meadows of a foreign country”.
The book ‘The Psychology of Memory’ uses research based on cognitive psychology to increase understanding of all types of memory and their impact. It shows how memory has a huge impact on our lives and can be affected by alcohol, lack of sleep, and caffeine. The book explains the science behind the different systems and types of memory, such as short-term and long-term memory, and what they are used for.
Leaving the bag behind
The authors debunk myths such as the idea that memory is simply a collection of past events. Instead, they show how vital it is to remember to perform a task in the future. Strategies can strengthen this type of memory, known as “event-based memory.” Thus, Sumeracki and Kaminske suggest leaving a bag on the back seat of the car as a reminder to take your child out of the car seat before going to work.
According to the authors, other techniques to stimulate memory can improve long-term knowledge and lead to more efficient learning. One technique described in the book is “retrieval practice,” the strategy of “pulling” facts from memory. An example is learning the name of a new friend by deliberately addressing them each time you see them.
“Visual and auditory techniques can also help train the memory of ordinary people. The ability to remember the order of a deck of cards may seem impressive, but it can be achieved by creating mental associations for each card,” they explain. Anyone who has studied knows that regular practice is essential. But to become an expert in a field of learning, people need to employ deliberate practice. The difference is that deliberate practice involves deliberate and focused attention, while regular practice only involves repetition,” they conclude.
