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Memory Enhancement

Topic – Memory

Question – How can memory be improved?

Memory refers to the ability of a person to maintain and recall information over a certain period of time. Therefore memory is based on the processes that are used in the acquisition, storage, retention, and retrieval of information from the storage. Three major stages are involved in memory, and they include encoding, storage, and retrieval. Human memory is also involved in both the preservation and recovery of information that is learned through past experiences. However, humans as well have the capacity to forget, especially the information in question was stored sometimes back. When the information stored is not frequently accessed by the person, it tends to lie back in memory and fades slowly, such that remembering will become a difficult task. Besides, some of the information may not have been properly stored in the memory, and this makes retrieval difficult since the memory can only remember bits of the information. As a result, memory problems arise, and this means that it can be worse, depending on the situation. The memory problems can range from minor annoyances to simple forgetfulness that includes where one kept the keys to the house. Memory fades with age, and this means that there is a need to constantly put the memory to task so that one doesn’t forget easily.

For a person to form new memories, the information needs to be put into a usable form, and this can only happen through encoding. A successful encoding process results in the successful storage of information in the memory, which will be used for later use. However, much of the stored memory lies outside and individuals’ awareness most of the time, with the exception of when the information is needed for usage. Successful retrieval of the information ensures allows individuals to bring the stored memories into conscious awareness. It should, however, be noted that memories are brief, and they may last only for a few seconds long, through which in that short time, a person is able to take in sensory information regarding the world. Short-term memories tend to be a bit longer lasting about 20 to 30 seconds. In most cases, most of the short-term memories consist of information that a person is currently focusing on and thinking about. However, there are memories that are able to endure longer durations that may include days, weeks, months, years and even decades and these are regarded as long-term memories and to which lie outside a person’s immediate awareness, but they can be drawn into consciousness at the time of need.

Memory improvement is a crucial process that will help a person receive, store, and retrieve information more effectively. As stated above that the human memory is subject to forgetting information, sometimes may be due to retrieval failures, interference, and failure of storage as well as motivated forgetting. In some cases, a person may experience information loss from memory, and in some cases, the information might not have been stored effectively. Sometimes, memories do compete with one another both in storage and retrieval, and this may make it difficult for a person to remember. Boosting the memory is therefore essential in that it will help the person remember content which may save a person from embarrassment. Rehearsing the information is one of the major forms of improving the memory as it makes the brain active, making it more efficient in the retrieval of information. An effective rehearsing program involves using tricks that are capable of jogging the mind once in a while, keeping it active and enhancing memory.

Works Cited

How to improve your MEMORY | LBCC Study Skills. Retrieved from: https://youtu.be/Ulk9BCRA83Y?t=86