Memory Skills
TRAIN YOUR BRAIN 2
INTRODUCTION
What is Memory?
Memory refers to a mental process that is used to gain, gather, and recover information. The information that is stored in our memory with the help of our senses will be processed by numerous systems all through our brain, and it will be accumulated for later use (Mason, 2003-2006). Gordon and Berger (2003) said that there are two basic kinds of memory: ordinary and intelligent memory. Ordinary memory is remembering specific names of people, time, place, locations of certain things, and things to be done. It is comparatively fragile for it stores information for a few minutes, and that information will soon be forgotten. Thus, it is what fails when we can’t remember something. We are able to recognize it when it works and when it doesn’t because it is a conscious process. On the contrary, intelligent memory is remembering how to do things. It serves as an aid for us to make everyday decisions, and it is the memory that makes us think critically. It enables us to solve problems, to enjoy a good joke, and to boost our TRAIN YOUR BRAIN 3 creativity. Unlike ordinary memory, intelligent memory is an unconscious process that is why most of us find it hard to use and develop it. (Gordon & Berger, 2003; Radford, 2003)
Why do we forget things? Forgetting important and useful stuffs is indeed disappointing. Although our brain can store vast number of memories, we still tend to forget things and find them difficult to retrieve. For instance, sometimes we can’t remember the names of people we just met. Perhaps, this is because we are not paying attention. A lack of focus on something important is probably the reason why we fail to store information into our brain. If we really concentrate on something, forgetting will not happen. (Turkington, 2003) Moreover, we fail to remember information because of memory interventions. Sometimes, the acquired information doesn’t just vanish; it can become deteriorated. The
INTRODUCTION
What is Memory?
Memory refers to a mental process that is used to gain, gather, and recover information. The information that is stored in our memory with the help of our senses will be processed by numerous systems all through our brain, and it will be accumulated for later use (Mason, 2003-2006). Gordon and Berger (2003) said that there are two basic kinds of memory: ordinary and intelligent memory. Ordinary memory is remembering specific names of people, time, place, locations of certain things, and things to be done. It is comparatively fragile for it stores information for a few minutes, and that information will soon be forgotten. Thus, it is what fails when we can’t remember something. We are able to recognize it when it works and when it doesn’t because it is a conscious process. On the contrary, intelligent memory is remembering how to do things. It serves as an aid for us to make everyday decisions, and it is the memory that makes us think critically. It enables us to solve problems, to enjoy a good joke, and to boost our TRAIN YOUR BRAIN 3 creativity. Unlike ordinary memory, intelligent memory is an unconscious process that is why most of us find it hard to use and develop it. (Gordon & Berger, 2003; Radford, 2003)
Why do we forget things? Forgetting important and useful stuffs is indeed disappointing. Although our brain can store vast number of memories, we still tend to forget things and find them difficult to retrieve. For instance, sometimes we can’t remember the names of people we just met. Perhaps, this is because we are not paying attention. A lack of focus on something important is probably the reason why we fail to store information into our brain. If we really concentrate on something, forgetting will not happen. (Turkington, 2003) Moreover, we fail to remember information because of memory interventions. Sometimes, the acquired information doesn’t just vanish; it can become deteriorated. The
References: Buzan, T. (2003). Master your memory: more inspiring ways to increase the power of your memory, focus, and creativity Eastaway, R. (2004). How to remember: a practical guide to memory and recall. Great Britain: Bookmarque Ltd, Croydon, Surrey. Gordon, B. & Berger, L. (2003). Intelligent memory: a prescription for improving your memory Latham, C. (2006). Physical and Mental Exercise. Retrieved November 30, 2012, from www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2006/11/07/physical-and-mental-exercise/ Levy, J. (2006). Train your brain: The complete mental workout for a fit and agile mind. Mason, D. J (2003-2006). The Memory Workbook. Retrieved November 26, 2012 from http://www.memorydr.com/memory.htm Moore, G. (2006). The 10-minute brain workout: Brain training tips, logic tests, and puzzles to exercise your mind