Psychological Tricks to Improve Memorization
There are always people around us who are known for their bad memory. We are sometimes the victims of poor memory. However, it rarely ever occurs to us that there is something we can do about it.
Of course, some of the poor memory problems have been resolved with modern technology. Reminders and alarms always keep us on our toes, ensuring we don't miss important meetings, birthdays or forget to turn off the stove. However, technology has yet to replace our long-term memories, and until that happens, how about we sharpen it?
Psychological studies have discovered numerous methods to improve memory. Here are some of the best ones:
1. Chunking
The chunking method of improving memory was introduced by Bodie, Powers & Fitch-Hauser, in 2006 in their research study[1]. This strategy refers to organizing information into small and manageable bits. For instance, if you would like to verbally remember someone's phone number, you chunk it into 830-632-0051 instead of 8306320051. Once you chunk it, you repeat it, until your memory has retained the new information.
2. Sensory Memory
Body and mind have an interesting connection, especially when it comes to memorization. Did you know that our olfactory memory is linked to our sense of smell? It is one of the best memories ever. Just a whiff of baked goods can take us back to our grandma's house when we were young, and a perfume scent can remind you of an old friend. You can use this sense of smell to bring back memories. So, the next time you start to prep for your exams, introduce a scent in your study room and take out your flashcards.
Don't forget to spritz the same scent on your wrists right before the exams to trigger your memory.
3. Music
If you have watched Silver Linings Playbook, you'd know how music can trigger memories (good or bad). This effect is called echoic memory. You can use it by playing music as you study. Music activates both sides of the brain, maximizing learning and improving memory.
Listening to music also puts us in a better mood and motivates us to start studying with our full focus and attention.
4. Elaborative Rehearsal
This method uses the information already stored in your long-term memory and relates the new information with it. For instance, your best friend is from New York, and that fact already exists in your long-term memory. Now you recently learned that the area code of NY is 212. In your mind, you relate this information with your friend and repeat. If you are successful, you'll retain information for life.
5. Mnemonic Devices
We have all used this method of memorization at one point in our lives, and it works. Using rhymes, acronyms, poems, and songs to learn complex theoretical facts is your safest bet. Mnemotechnics is essentially a pedagogical strategy that combines clues (often visual and sound) based on the learner's current knowledge with the new information they have to learn. This improves the retention of key information, making it easier to retrieve later.
In addition to psychology, you can also boost your memory using the gifts of Mother Nature. Memory boosting herbal tinctures are a great way to enhance your memory during your exams.
[1]Bodie, Graham D., William G. Powers, and Margaret Fitch-Hauser."Chunking, priming and active learning: Toward an innovative and blended approach to teaching communication-related skills."Interactive learning environments 14, no. 2 (2006): 119-135.Retrieved from https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2007-07075-002].