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Pre-mid assignment -1

Methods of improving memory

Major applied psychology

Submitted to: Mam Raumish masud khan

Submitted by: Summiya Jameel

Semester: 4 sec (A)

Date of submission: 12-feburary-2024

KINNAIRD COLLEGE FOR WOMEN, LHR

METHODS OF IMPROVING MEMORY

MEMORY

The psychological processes of gathering, storing, holding onto, and then recovering
knowledge are collectively referred to as memory. Memory is made up of three main processes:
encoding, storing, and retrieval. Information can be both recovered and preserved in human
memory. (Baddeley, 2013)

HOW TO IMPROVE MEMORY?

Memory can be improved through various scientific methods, through the beneficial use of
these methods one can enhance e his or her memory. The techniques or methods that are
described in various books and are considered scientific and beneficial are as follow.

MNEMONIC DEVICES

Mnemonic devices are strategies that link new information to content that is easier to
recall in order to help in memory retention. Here are several techniques and real-world examples:

Acronyms/Acronyms:

Method: Create a word or phrase where each letter represents the first letter of a list of items to
remember.

Example: "HOMES" to remember the names of the Great Lakes (Huron, Ontario, Michigan,
Erie, Superior).

Another example: To remember the order of the colors in a rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green,
blue, indigo, violet), you can use the acrostic "Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain."

Visualization:

Method: Create vivid mental images to associate with information to be remembered.

Example: Imagining a giant apple (representing an 'A') crushing a small car (representing a 'C')
to remember the association between apples and cars.
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(Weiten, 2010)

Peg System:

Method: Associate numbers with pre-established "peg words" and then link these peg words
with the information you want to remember.

For example, if you need to remember a list of items numbered 1 to 10, you can use the peg
words "bun, shoe, tree, door, hive, sticks, heaven, gate, line, and hen" and then mentally
associate each item with its corresponding peg word.

Chunking:

Method: Grouping pieces of information into smaller, manageable units.

Example: Remembering a long number sequence like 8675309 by breaking it into chunks (867-
5309) or grouping digits (867-53-09). (Weiten, 2010)

Rhymes and Songs:

Method: Creating rhymes or songs with the information to be remembered.

Example: Singing "In fourteen hundred ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue" to
remember the year of Columbus's voyage. (Scotts, 2013)

Method of Loci (Memory Palace):

Method: Mentally associating each piece of information with a specific location in a familiar
place, like a house or a route you know well. (Weiten, 2010)

Example: To remember a grocery list, imagine placing each item in a different room of your
house, associating eggs with the kitchen, milk with the living room, and so on.

Association:

Method: Creating connections between new information and something familiar. (Scotts, 2013)
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Example: Associating a person's name with a celebrity or a friend with a specific characteristic
(e.g., Mary who always wears red).

Storytelling:

Method: Creating a narrative that incorporates the information to be remembered. (Scotts, 2013)

Example: Creating a story involving characters and events to remember historical dates and
events.

Keyword Method:

Method: Linking new vocabulary words or concepts with keywords that sound similar or remind
you of the meaning. (Scotts, 2013)

Example: Associating the Spanish word "perro" (dog) with the English word "perro" by
visualizing a dog with a pirate's "parrot" on its shoulder.

Adequate Rehearsal Methods:

This refers to strategies used to effectively encode information into memory through repetition or
rehearsal. (Scotts, 2013) Examples include:

 Spaced Repetition:

Studying material multiple times with increasing intervals between each session. For example,
instead of cramming for a test all in one night, studying for short periods over several days.

 Elaborative Rehearsal:

Relating new information to existing knowledge or creating associations between pieces of

Testing Effect:
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This is the phenomenon where actively recalling information through testing or quizzes enhances
long-term memory retention. (Scotts, 2013)

Examples include:

 Quizzing yourself on key concepts or vocabulary terms after studying them.

Serial Position Effect:

This is the tendency to remember items at the beginning (primacy effect) and end (recency
effect) of a list better than those in the middle (Wieten,2010).

Examples include:

 In a grocery store, remembering the first few items on your shopping list (primacy effect)
and the last few items (recency effect), but having difficulty recalling items in the middle
of the list.
 In a presentation, remembering the main points at the beginning and end, but forgetting
some of the details discussed in the middle.

Schedule Distribution Practice:

This involves distributing study or practice sessions over time rather than cramming all at once,
which leads to better long-term retention (Weiten,2010).

Examples include:

 Studying for an hour each day leading up to an exam, rather than trying to study for
several hours the night before.
 Practicing a musical instrument for 30 minutes each day, rather than practicing for
several hours once a week.

SQ3R TECHNIQUE

Now, for enhancing memory using the SQ3R technique:

SQ3R Technique: This method is used for studying and involves five steps:

Survey: Quickly scan the material to get an overview.

Question: Turn headings and subheadings into questions to focus your reading.

Read: Read actively, looking for answers to your questions.

Recite: Summarize what you've read in your own words, either aloud or in writing.

Review: Review the material periodically to reinforce your memory.

Using SQ3R helps engage with the material actively, which aids in understanding and retention.
(Scotts, 2013)

Active Learning:

Engage with the material actively rather than passively. This could involve summarizing
the information in your own words, teaching it to someone else, or applying it to solve problems
or answer questions (Tracy Packiam Alloway & Alloway, 2014).

Visual Memory Aids:

Use visual aids such as diagrams, charts, mind maps, or flashcards to organize and review
information. Visual representations can help reinforce memory by providing a visual framework
for understanding the material.

Sleep:

Ensure you get enough quality sleep, as sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation.
During sleep, your brain processes and stores information, making it easier to recall later. When
one gets a healthy sleep his brain activity works well and remembers things well. (Tracy
Packiam Alloway & Alloway, 2014)

Healthy Lifestyle:
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Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and managing stress.
Physical activity and a healthy diet have been linked to improved cognitive function and
memory. (Tracy Packiam Alloway & Alloway, 2014)

 By incorporating these techniques into your studying or daily routine, you can enhance
your memory and improve your ability to recall information more effectively.
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Reference

‌Baddeley, A. (2013). Essentials of Human Memory (Classic Edition). Psychology Press.

Scotts, J. (2013). Memory Improvement: Techniques, Tricks & Exercises How To Train and

Develop Your Brain In 30 Days. Speedy Publishing LLC.

Tracy Packiam Alloway, & Alloway, R. (2014). The working memory advantage : train your

brain to function stronger, smarter, faster. Simon & Schuster Paperbacks.

Weiten, W. (2010). Psychology : themes & variations. Wadsworth/Cengage Learning.