Does Memorization Improve Our Memories?
Disclaimer: This article is not intended for professional medical advice. The key point of discussion here is 'working memory,' so just memorizing something without actively engaging with the information is not as beneficial as it might seem.
Memorization can be both a super-power and a curse. While memorizing anything can improve your overall memory, it is not always in a way that is particularly useful. For example, imagine dedicating time to memorizing pi to an incredible number of decimal places—a great party trick, no doubt. It might make you seem like a savant, and you could show it off at a trivia night or to your friends. Yes, even this arbitrary memorization can help improve your memory overall.
What is more interesting, however, is to consider why you are memorizing lists. What is on the list? How do you hope to use your improved memory?
While having a great memory is definitely helpful, you are much more likely to remember something that is meaningful to you. Think about your life experiences. What do you remember most vividly? It is often the experiences that changed you in some way. Maybe it was your first love, a heartbreak, crashing your car into a tree, choosing a new career, the birth of your first child, or the death of a close friend. The more an experience changes you, the better you will remember it.
Memorization Techniques for Effective Memory Improvement
Memorizing lists can certainly help improve your memory, but it depends on how you memorize them. Simply repeating the list over and over again may help you remember it in the short-term, but it may not be an effective long-term memory strategy.
To improve your memory with lists, try using mnemonic techniques such as the method of loci or the peg system. These techniques involve associating items on the list with specific images or locations in your mind. For instance, using the method of loci, you can imagine placing items to be remembered in specific locations on a familiar map, like your house or workplace. This can help you remember the list more easily and for a longer period of time. Another effective technique is the peg system, where you associate items with a series of familiar peg words or numbers.
The Role of Active Reasoning
Actively reasoning about the information you are memorizing can greatly improve your working memory. Simply memorizing something without engaging in reasoning is like putting a rest on the floor and not using a ladder. It will not help you reach the ceiling of your cognitive abilities.
By actively reasoning about the information you are memorizing, you are more likely to develop a deeper understanding and better retention of the material. For example, if you are memorizing a list of historical dates and events, try to understand the causes and consequences of these events. This will not only make the information more meaningful to you but also help you remember it more effectively.
Practicing Recall
Practicing recall regularly can also help strengthen your memory. Try to test yourself on the information you want to remember periodically. This could be through quizzes, rewriting notes, or simply trying to recall the information from memory. The more you practice recalling the information, the easier it will become to remember in the future.
Conclusion
In summary, while memorization can improve your memory, it is most effective when paired with active reasoning and regular practice. Mnemonic techniques and regular recall can also enhance your memory retention. So, next time you want to memorize something, try to make it meaningful and engaging, and don't forget to repeatedly test yourself.
Remember, a true powerhouse of memory comes from meaningful experiences, not just arbitrary facts or numbers. So, the next time you think about improving your memory, consider what you find meaningful and let that guide your approach.