|
Although memory doesn't usually improve when
you practice memorizing things it can get better by using memory
techniques such as the ones below.
Chunking
Generally if short term memory tries to
acquire more items than it can handle, the middle items will often
be displaced.
Chunking of information can lead to an increase in short term
memory capacity. This is the reason why a hyphenated phone number
is easier to remember than a single long number. Storage also
seems to increase if we pronounce the names of the items out loud
especially if they are grouped rhythmically.
Try reading this sequence and then recall
it: I G B F D N C N U O A
Next, try the same exercise on these
letters: F I G N O D N U C A B
Chunking it into a word you can pronounce
made the difference.
Try the same process with this list of
numbers: 2 8 3 4 9 7
Next, try remembering this: 283 497
Instead of six numbers, you only need to recall
two.
Another useful technique is to make chunks
with the numbers in arithmetical order. It is even easier to
remember 234 789.
It may also be easier to remember items that
have personal meaning. For example take the number series
2 5 1 9 8 9 1 1 5 3 8 2
You may be able to group together the
following chunks
25 - your favorite player's shirt number
1989 - the year you were born
115 - Your street number.
25 1989 115 382
Chunking information this way means that 382
is the only unfamiliar chunk left to be memorized.
|
