Improving Memory

October 21, 2013 Chad Kolde

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Agenda
A quick demonstration Brief introduction Amazing feats of the human memory Changing ones attitude towards memory Practical Uses
Memorizing to-do lists Memorizing names Memorizing complex stories/ideas

Treating your memory

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Brief introduction
My interest in memory techniques Caveat No expert, by any means. Current trends in memory
Spoiler alert! There are no shortcuts, just more efficient methods of encoding information.

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Amazing Feats of Human Memory

Simon Reinhard, 2011 World Memory Champion Runner-Up, memorized a single deck of cards in 21.19 seconds. Wang Feng, 2011 World Memory Champion, memorized 500 random digits in 5 minutes.
Its worth noting that the competition arbitrarily limited individuals to a maximum of 500 digits.

Ben Pridmore, multiple World Memory Champion, memorized the random order of 4,140 binary digits in half an hour. Daniel Tammet memorized 22,514 digits of pi and learned the language of Icelandic in under a week. Boris Nikolai Konrad memorized 119 random words, in order, in 5 minutes.

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How is this possible?

Gifted individuals
Its entirely possible that these individuals have unnaturally high IQs.

Rote memory
Studies have shown that the average individual can only store 6 to 9 items in his or her short-term memory Inefficient for long-term memory storage

Photographic memory
Contrary to popular belief, scientific research has yet to uncover an example of an individual with an eidetic memory (aka, a photographic memory).

fMRI scans of the brains of trained memorizers show that the individuals utilize the portions of the brain dedicated to spatial memory and navigation
Individuals use ancient memory techniques first formulated by the Greeks around 500 B.C.

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Changing Ones Attitude Toward Memory

What is your initial reaction to being tasked with memorizing the following pieces of information?
100 random digits:
45726794650312459863025795484231200548996354871231115245978636974812 3058453153120568761123056787151374812305845315312056

15 random words: Book, ashtray, cow, coat, match, razor, apple, purse, Venetian blind, frying pan, clock, eyeglasses, door knob, bottle, worm 5 individuals met at a party:

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Observation Skills
The true art of memory is the art of attention. Samuel Johnson You cannot possibly remember anything you do not observe; and an it is extremely difficult to observe or remember anything that you do not want to remember, or that you are not interested in remembering. Harry Lorayne In order to fully develop ones memory, one needs to strive to observe his or her surroundings. We remember best when we pay attention and are engaged on a particular subject (i.e. when we want to remember). Forgetting vs. never learning
I feel assured that there is no such thing as ultimate forgetting; traces once impressed upon the memory are indestructible. Thomas DeQuincey

Exercises to help practice

Quick test
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Visualization Skills
The crux of a strong memory lies in an individuals ability to take abstract information that is lacking in context and transform it into meaningful information. The Baker vs. baker example In order to take abstract information, such as an individuals name, a random number, a historical date, etc. and make it memorable, a visual image should be created encapsulating the essence of the image to be remembered
Attempt to assign to the image one of the following qualities:
Out of proportion Action-oriented Exaggerated (bizarre, comical, gruesome, etc) Substitution Linked to another item
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Visualization Skills, continued

When creating an image, try to assign one of the following qualities to the image:
Out of proportion imagine your object as being strangely out of proportion to the rest of the scene. Action-oriented have your object performing some action, even if the object youre attempting to memorize is an inanimate object. Exaggerated picture your object as being exaggerated given the scenes situation. In other words, picture the object as being gruesome, bizarre, comical, etc. Substitution Use the principles of the Baker vs. baker example. Linking attempt to link your image to another image.
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Method of Loci
Method of Loci is a method of memorization developed in ancient Greece that incorporates observation and visualization skills with physical locations. The items, ideas, story, etc. to be remembered are placed along a specific, well-known journey in an effort to enable the memorizer to encode the information.
In other words, the memorizer places the items throughout a journey of the individuals house, place of employment, elementary school, or favorite golf course

For example, take your house/dorm:

We walk up the front porch (one loci), arrive at the door (a second loci), etc.

Now, take this list of 15 random words:

Book, ashtray, cow, coat, match, razor, apple, purse, Venetian blind, frying pan, clock, eyeglasses, door knob, bottle, worm
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Memorizing To-Do Lists

Its no secret that your student life is centered around to-do lists; however, often times we become inundated with tasks to complete. Inevitably, we forget to complete an item on our to-do list. One common method to overcome this problem is to place your list along a particular journey; i.e. using the method of loci.
When an item is completed, simply erase the item from your journey Try to use a new journey for a new to-do list.

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Memorizing Names
Common expression: I know your face, but just cant remember your name!
First and foremost, the key to truly remembering a name is to pay attention!
Common tricks to force yourself to pay attention:
Repeat the individuals name Internally test yourself (What is this individuals name?) Remark on the persons name (In a non-offensive manner!)

Second, use memory tricks

Translate the individuals name into an image Identify a key or noticeable feature on an individuals face Incorporate the image of the individuals name with the noticeable feature

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Memorizing Names (Continued)

Quick test:

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Memorizing Names (Continued)

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Memorizing Complex Stories/Ideas

Imagine having an important speech to deliver but forgetting the PowerPoint presentation, flashcards, etc.
Roman orators were said to deliver speeches from memory
Topic sentence is derived from the Greek word topos, which can be translated into loci or place.

Historical texts (before the printing press) were largely disseminated orally

To help memorize stories/ideas, fragment the story into several key ideas. Then, translate each key idea into an image. Finally, place these images along a memory palace. Never attempt to memorize a speech word for word. Forgetting one word during a speech/story will serve only to cause confusion and unnecessary stumbling.
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Treating your memory

In order to have a healthy brain, and consequently, a healthy memory, try to practice the following:
Maintain a workout/exercise regimen. Physical exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function. Make sure to get an adequate amount of sleep. UCLA researchers have shown that when we sleep, our brain performs key memory-enhancing techniques during the deepest stages of sleep, called consolidating. Avoid stressful situations or stress-inducing thoughts. Stress has been shown to damage the hippocampus, which is key in memory development. Eat foods conducive to a healthier mind. Such foods include omega-3 fatty acids, fruits and vegetables. Finally, challenge your brain! The brain is a strong, agile organ that behaves very similarly to a muscle. It needs exercise to grow and remain fit.
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Conclusion
Though the information we learned today might seem meaningless, think of the implications in a broader sense:
Memories are more than images. Memories help to define our existence. Memories serve to invigorate our world and give our world meaning. They allow an individual to connect new information with past experiences. Memories help to improve our knowledge of facts, ideas, etc. Knowledge is power!

When you treat memory how it deserves to be treated, it becomes fun and challenging to remember pieces of information.

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Suggestions for further reading

The Memory Book by Harry Lorayne How to Develop a Super-Power Memory by Harry Lorayne You Can Have an Amazing Memory by Dominic OBrien Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer The Mind Map Book by Tony Buzan

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Questions?

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