Memory

As I am currently revising for an exam, I thought I could post some notes I have been making about Memory.

• We tend to remember the first thing we hear (Primary), and the last thing we hear (Recent). This is known as the Primacy-Recency effect.
• We also remember things which are repeated (Repetition).
• Lastly we remember the unusual.

Three types of memory:

• Immediate Memory - This type of memory only holds information for a few seconds and passes it to your short term memory. 
• Short term or Working Memory - This can hold about 7 items at a time. If information is not rehearsed immediately it is forgotten in 30 seconds. It selects and rejects information to go into your long term memory.
• Long term memory - This storage system holds millions of of pieces of data. You have several long term memories, including visual memory for what you see, an auditory memory for what you hear and a motor memory for what you do.

Long term memory includes:

• Flashbulb memory - Dramatic or emotional moments.
• Episodic memory - Life events.

There different strategies one can use to help remember information, such as:

• Mnemonics - e.g. Never Eat Shredded Wheat. 
• Acronyms
• Rote Memory - Saying it over and over again. 
• Jingles - e.g. I before E except after C.
• Loci Method 

Memory in childhood
Most people cant remember anything before the age of 3, this is called infant amnesia. As children get older, their working memory increasingly develops allowing more and more information to be stored to use later. As they get older, they are able to make sense of the world and develop knowledge which makes it easier to store and retrieve information by making connections. 

Here is a video clip of Idriz Zogaj explaining how to become a 'Memory Master'.

Reference List

• Sian Sanders (2013)