In the 19th century William James suggested differentiating two types of memory, primary and secondary memory. Memory is not a system of one psychical function. In contemporary psychology there are usually three types of memory꞉ sensory, short term and long term memory. This paper will reflect on the last two types of memory
Short term memory holds information for a short period of time, up to 30 seconds. This type of memory has limited capacity and scientist usually use the rule of 7±2, which means that short term memory can receive from 5 to 9 units of information. In order to keep the data longer in memory system, they need to be repeated, organized so that they could save space, and/or transferred into long-term memory. Information is passed into long-term memory if it is encoded. That can be accomplished by connecting new information with the knowledge that it is already placed in long-term memory. It is assumed that long-term memory has an unlimited capacity and that information that are here are rarely lost.
The process of memorizing begins in our senses. Information is then transferred in short-term memory where it is repeated for some time and when it is visualized or associated with old knowledge it becomes a part of long-term memory from which it can be retrieved when necessary. It is useful to know that data in short-term memory can be encoded more easily if we ask questions about the material that is studied and those questions can come from our previous knowledge about the material (long-term memory). This way new information will be associated with existing knowledge and stored in long-term memory.
When we study from a textbook, first the whole material should be read so that we could get an insight in the structure of the text. After this, it is important to divide material that we need to learn in to smaller segments and learn it part by part. Each part should be read as many times as it is needed to reproduce it without looking in the textbook. After each part is reproduced we should examine if we are able to reproduce larger units (chapters for example). This should be repeated after some time. If the material is learned, the next repetition can come after a longer period of time, but the pause shouldn’t be too long because than it will be more difficult to reproduce the material. This way we can make sure that the information is kept in long-term memory.
Attention is one of the most important processes that our memory depends on. We select objects from our surroundings that are important to us and they became the centers of our attention. If something needs to be learned it requires attention. The longer the attention is it is more likely that information will be transferred from short-term to long-term memory. It is sometimes hard to maintain concentration on a high level for a longer period of time. While studying or attending a lecture we can be distracted by outside stimuli (external distraction) or our own thoughts (inside distraction). These hindering factors can be minimized by practice. I often experience internal distraction due to some problems from everyday life. I find it easy to eliminate external distraction since I can relocate and study on another place that is quieter. The researchers showed that changing location of studying improves the ability to memorize information and their retention (Carey, 2010). However, internal distraction is more difficult to neutralize. I can’t run away from my own thoughts. It is quite useful to change attitude toward learning and look at it as something positive and as something you can’t wait to experience. This emotional change can increase motivation and attention during studying. Distractions can also be minimized by writing down theses from the textbook or by taking notes during lectures. This way our thoughts will be completely occupied and we will bring our concentration on the highest level so that there will be no room for any of the distracting thoughts. I find changing sources from which I study very useful for maintaining attention. Different sources are organized in a different manner and this diversity helps me to learn and be amused at the same time. I search for similarities and differences between texts and other learning materials and organize knowledge in my own way. This method of studying always gives the best results since I am very curious to see the same problem from a different perspective.
If something needs to be learned, motivation is necessary. People are curious by their nature and always seeking for new information. However, studying from books is not always as interesting as gaining information from other people through conversation or through solving problems. Motivation for learning can be increased by positive attitude and will. If we associate positive thoughts with learning and nurture positive expectations the outcome will very likely be very satisfying. Don Campbell claims in his book “The Mozart effect” that silent and comfortable music motivates students. There are other ways to increase motivation for studying. I usually plan to treat myself with something small after I reach my goal. However, this works in some cases and for a short period of time. That is why it is considered as short-term way for increasing motivation. Much more effective are long-term methods that concentrate on realization of the purpose of the activity. If we tell ourselves that we need to learn this so that we could have knowledge that will help us become better experts in what we do, than we are on the right path to be motivated for a longer period of time.
We cannot talk about memory without mentioning the process of forgetting. It is a normal and beneficial process that every person is experiencing. However, when we learn from books we do not want to forget that. There are some biological factors that can reinforce forgetting such as some lesions of the brain or poor diet. The second one can be prevented by proper diet and exercise. Some theories claim that we forget due to receiving other information and it is called interference. The level of interference can be decreased by learning and proper encoding. When we study something for the first time it is important to learn it good so that it could be encoded. This way the material will be less susceptible to interference.
Every student should learn basic techniques on how to study since they are very beneficial. I learned a lot during writing this paper and it helped me realize that some of my learning methods were wrong. I will begin to study thoroughly every time I intend to study without spending time on contemplating about my love life. Most of students study for a long period of time without thinking about the information they are receiving. This is wrong since thinking about this information reinforces their transfer from short-term to long-term memory. The key for successful study session is to be completely devoted to it and not to think about how you should study and delaying it.
References:
Carey, B. (2010). Forget what you know about good study habits. retrieved from http://csis.pace.edu/~bergin/temp/Mind-ResearchUpendsTraditionalThinkingonStudyHabits-NYTimes.com.pdf
Campbell, D. (2001). The Mozart effect: Tapping the power of music to heal the body, strengthen the mind, and unlock the creative spirit. William Morrow Paperbacks.
