IMPROVING YOUR MEMORY

By Maliha Saleem Rindani

WHAT WE WILL BE COVERING
In This PPT

 What is memory?
 Chunking & Memory Span
 Imagery & Encoding
 Elaboration & Encoding
 Context & Retrieval
 Organziation
 Practicing Retrieval
 Are Repressed Memories Valid
WHAT IS MEMORY
 Memory is a process of:- Encoding (initial recording of information), Retrieval
of information (Recovering stored information)

Creating of an event, form can be pictorial, words, sensory

experience, touch, taste and smell are also remembered.
CHUNKING AND MEMORY SPAN
o Chunking is a cognitive technique where smaller units of information are
grouped into larger, more familiar units, aiding in memory retention.
Research by George Miller in the 1950s highlighted that individuals can
hold about seven "chunks" of information in their working memory.
o Chunking can be used to improve memory span by grouping smaller units
of information into larger, more meaningful chunks
o Chunking not only aids in recalling the chunked information but also
benefits in remembering other non-chunked details concurrently held in
memory, showcasing its effectiveness in memory enhancement
o Short-term memory has a limited capacity, typically holding around seven
items for a brief duration of 15 to 30 seconds. By chunking information
into smaller, meaningful units, individuals can enhance their memory
span and retention capabilities.
IMAGERY & ENCODING
o The concept of imagery and encoding is central to understanding how
different types of information are processed and stored in memory. Imagery
encoding involves creating mental pictures or visual representations of
information, aiding in memory retention. This process allows individuals to
relate incoming information to visual images, making it more memorable.
o In the context of memory, visual encoding is a powerful tool that helps
individuals remember information more effectively. When information is
encoded visually, such as through mental images, colors, spatial
relationships, or patterns, it becomes more vivid and easier to recall.
o For example, visual encoding can involve encoding details like facial features,
colors, shapes, and spatial layouts, making the information more distinctive
and memorable
 ELABORATION & ENCODING
 Elaborative encoding is an instructional method that uses emotional signals
or additional information to help with memory retention and knowledge
recall.
 Elaborative encoding is a valuable tool for saving and recalling information by
expanding and intensifying the web of memories and mental connections
 By forming associations between new and existing information, individuals
can enhance memory retention and retrieval through meaningful
connections and elaborations.
 Elaboration & encoding involves attaching extra details to a memory task,
making it easier to remember. For example, associating character traits with
a face can enhance recognition.
CONTEXT & RETRIEVAL
o Context retrieval involves utilizing contextual information to personalize an
individual's experience with a retrieval system based on various factors such
as intentions, personal characteristics, available data, and environmental
surroundings.
o Context retrieval can enhance memory recall by facilitating the retrieval of
items that share a similar context at the time of encoding, leading to a better
understanding of the effects of selective memory retrieval.
o Context retrieval, in simple terms, is like remembering things better when
you connect them to a specific situation or environment where you learned
them. It's like how you might remember a friend's name better when you
recall where you first met them. This technique helps improve memory recall
by linking information to the context in which it was learned or experienced.
PRACTICING RETRIEVAL
o Practicing retrieval, in simple terms, is like exercising your memory muscles.
It's a way to strengthen your ability to remember information by actively
trying to recall it from your brain, rather than just passively re-reading or re-
studying the material.
o For eg:- In short, instead of just re-reading your notes, actively try to recall
the information from memory by writing it down, answering questions, or
using flashcards. This retrieval practice strengthens memory connections.
Check your answers against the original material to identify gaps. Repeat this
retrieval process over time for more effective long-term learning compared
to simply re-reading the material repeatedly.
ORGANIZATION
o Organizing information is a powerful strategy for improving memory in
psychology. By categorizing information into logical groups, such as similar
meanings or categories, individuals can enhance their ability to recall and
retain information effectively.
o This method is particularly useful when memorizing complex subjects like
Human Anatomy, where organizing body parts into systems based on
function or location aids in memorization.
ARE REPRESSED MEMORIES VALID
o Repressed memories are memories that are believed to be unconsciously
blocked due to their traumatic or stressful nature. However, the validity of
repressed memories is highly debated in psychology. While some people
believe in the concept of repressed memories, research has shown that
traumatic experiences are generally well remembered and that the idea of
unconscious repression of memories runs counter to how traumatic
experiences are stored and retrieved. Mainstream clinical psychologists have
largely stopped using the terms "repressed" and "recovered memories" due
to insufficient evidence supporting their existence.
THANK YOU
MISS. ASMA ASHRAF