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Memory is a complex process involving a number of different, sometimes unsuspected, stages. By understanding the sequences behind these stages, we can better understand how our memory works and how it influences the quality of our recall...
- Encoding -
Encoding is the process of converting information into a format that can be stored in our memory. Encoding is a necessary step in the formation of short- and long-term memories :
This happens when we pay attention : If we're trying to remember a shopping list, we need to pay attention to the items on the list in order to encode them in our memory ;
This is encoded in a format that can be stored : When we discover a new word, we encode it by saying it out loud or writing it down ;
This enables us to access information later : If we encode a shopping list, we can remember certain items later, if we still need them.
- Storage -
Storage refers to the process of keeping information in our memory, so that we can access it later. When we store information in our memory, we are essentially creating a mental representation of that information. This mental representation can take the form of an image, a sound or a feeling. Here's how it works :
The short-term memory (STM) enables us to store information for a short time, such as a telephone number that we need to remember in an immediate situation ;
The long-term memory (LTM) enables us to store information for weeks or even months, such as the phone number of our best friend or partner.
Information can be transferred from the STM to the LTM, but this transmission is not always perfect : we may try to remember a shopping list by repeating the items on the list to ourselves, but we may still forget some of the data.
- Recall -
Recall refers to the process of retrieving information from our memory. In order to be able to recall information, we must first have encoded and stored that information in our memory. When we recall information, we are « reliving » the event encoded in our system. There are two types of recall :
Free recall : When we remember information without any cues or prompts ;
Assisted recall : When we remember information with the help of cues or prompts.
- Retrieval -
Where recall is the process of passive memorization, retrieval is the process of actively searching for information in our memory. It's a necessary step in the formation of long-term memory. If we're trying to remember the name of someone we met at a party, we'll have to retrieve that information from our memory :
It all starts with attention : If we're not paying attention to something, we're less likely to retrieve that same thing from our memory ;
Then we plant clues : We can use a unique aspect of its appearance and colour, its smell, its format, what we feel when we look at it.
- Omission -
Omission is the inability to retrieve information from memory. There are a number of reasons why we forget :
The effects of time can make memories more difficult to retrieve ;
New information interferes with the memory of old information ;
Old information interferes with remembering new information ;
Emotional interference (stress, fear, fatigue) takes over our memory ;
Lack of proper attention in the first instance.
Omission is part of our daily lives. However, forgetting doesn't necessarily mean losing or erasing information from our long-term memory. Usually, these memory lapses are benign, like forgetting to call someone back when we promised to do so. Occasionally, they can be serious and have serious consequences, such as an eyewitness forgetting important details about a crime.
- Improving -
It goes without saying that the use of accessories to help us is non-negligible :
Setting up a digital calendar with notification reminders can help us keep track of all our appointments and meetings.
Creating a to-do list, updated on a daily basis, ensures that we don't forget important tasks.
But there are a number of strategies we can use to make the most of our memory :
Focusing : For information to move from our short-term to our long-term memory, we need to be actively attentive. Getting rid of distractions can be difficult, but we need to set aside a space and a period of time to be alone, so that we can concentrate.
Fragmenting : Instead of embarking on a « Marathon » session of memorizing, let's split up the elements to be studied and spread these parts out over our daily lives, allowing us to process the information more accurately.
Mnemonics : A mnemonic is a way of remembering information by associating it with something familiar. We can invent rhymes, songs or jokes to help us remember a specific segment of information.
Rehearsal : « Elaborative rehearsal » involves reading the definition of a key term, studying the definition, then reading a more detailed description of what that term means. After repeating this process, we'll notice that memorization is simpler.
What we already know : When we study new things, we need to take the time to think about how this new information relates to what we already know.
Positioning : Researchers have discovered that information is organized in memory into related clusters, and that the order of information can play a role in recall. We are known to remember the beginning and end of a chapter more easily, and intermediate information more difficult to recall, by restructuring what we have learned so that it is easier to remember. When we come across a particularly difficult concept, let's spend a little longer memorizing the information. We can take advantage of this phenomenon by trying to group similar concepts and terms together, or by making an outline of our reading notes, to help us group related concepts together.
Visualizing : Simply creating flashcards, different terms for the same thing, can help us cement the information in our minds. If we don't have any, we should create our own, illustrating our notes with figures or photographs, or drawing graphs, graphs and charts. We can also help ourselves by highlighting passages in our documents in different colours to group ideas together.
Aloud : Research suggests that reading aloud improves the memorization of material. Educators and psychologists have also found that when students teach what they have learned and understood to other students, it seems to improve comprehension and recall. Let's not hesitate to use this approach, either by reading aloud and recording ourselves over and over again; or by finding someone to read us the material for the comprehension test.
Diversifying : By adding a bit of novelty to our study sessions, we can increase the effectiveness of our efforts and improve our memory. For example, if we're used to studying in a particular place, we could try changing the location, or if we study at night, we could try spending a few minutes each morning reviewing the information we've studied.
Getting some rest : It's no longer a secret that sleep is important not only for our physical and mental health, but also for our memory and learning. A study, published in 2014, revealed that taking a nap, after learning something new, can help us learn faster and remember better.
Conclusions
There are a few strategies we can use to make the most of our memory. Some researchers break down memory into stages to explain how it works : encoding, storage, recall, retrieval and forgetting.
Before our next exam, competition or assessment, we should try some of these techniques to improve our memory. But this will require effort and will involve modifying (even radically) our usual study routine.
What do you think?
