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Memory

Kathleen High

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Memory as a Jungle One entrance = A small meadow Millions of animals pass through

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Memory Analogy: Jungle = Long Term Memory Meadow = Short Term Memory Animals = everything you have ever

experienced through your senses.

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Short-term Memory Example: Remember phone number long

enough to dial. Limited capacity Disappears quickly

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Long Term Memory Example: Your phone number Allows you to recall information from day

to day, week to week.

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Two Rules About:Short-Term & Long Term

Memory Each thought animal must go through the

meadow to get into the jungle.

Once the animal enters the jungle, it never leaves

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Four Visualizations: A well-worn path A herd of thoughts Turning your back You are directing the traffic

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#1: A Well-Worn Path Thoughts can wear paths to memory

(neural traces). The more well worn the path, the easier it

is to find. The more often you recall information, the

easier it is to retrieve.

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#2: A Heard of Thoughts Thoughts are easier to retrieve if grouped

together. Easier to recall if associated with similar

items.

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Example Psychology & Sociology Communication Economics English & Foreign Languages Geography & Anthropology History Kinesiology Music Philosophy Political Science Theatre

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Group These Departments By: Location Type of Discipline Alphabetical

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Grouped by: Location

Building 1: Communication Economics Philosophy

Building 5: Behavioral Sciences Geography &

Anthropology Building 24:

English Music

Building 94: History Political Science

Building 43: Kinesiology & Health

Promotion

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Grouped by: Type of Discipline

Social Sciences Psychology &

Sociology Communication Economics Geography &

Anthropology Kinesiology History Political Science

Humanities: English Philosophy

Performing Arts: Music Theatre

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Grouped by:Alphabetical

Communication Economics English & Foreign

Languages

Geography & Anthropology History Kinesiology

Music Philosophy Political Science Psychology &

Sociology Theatre

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#3 Turning Your Back

Let the animal go into the jungle, and turn your back on it.

Wait 10 seconds -

It is gone!!!!

Recall: 50% of what we just read 20% 24 hours later (80% is forgotten!)

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Solution? Review quickly Do not take your eyes off the animal Wear a path from meadow to jungle

immediately

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#4: You are Directing the Traffic

• You are at the entrance• You are directing the herds of animals• You are taking an active role in the

process• You are paying attention• You take control of your memory

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Your turn to teach!

20 Memory Techniques Set a trap for your memory Remembering Names Mnemonic Devices