Repetition Doesn’t Work: Better Ways to Train Your Memory A new study published in Learning and Memory found that simple repetition interferes with the ability to learn new information, especially when it is similar to a set of familiar facts. This may mean that memorizing facts about an issue through repetition could interfere with the ability to remember a more nuanced version of the same issue later on. “Our findings suggest that although the ability to generally recognize something is strengthened with multiple encounters, one’s ability to discriminate among similar items in memory decay,” the study says. “In contrast to past beliefs, repetition may reduce the fidelity of memory representations.” Here are a few tips for better memory: Pace your studying Not all repetition is bad. Its more accurate to say that cramming is ineffective. “The better idea is to space repetition. Practice a little bit one day, then put your flashcards away, then take them out the next day, then two days later. Use Loci The ancient granddaddy of advanced memory techniques is the method of Loci, which involves placing objects in sequential order in a mentally constructed (imaginary) world. The most famous memory man of all time, Solomon Shereshevsky, who could recall sets of random numbers years later, used to imagine himself placing objects near buildings. Connect the dots Understanding is the basis for easier memorization. In other words, the more widely knowledgeable we are about a subject, the easier it is to retain and retrieve information. Click the link for more details. thedailybeast/articles/2014/07/12/repetition-doesn-t-work-better-ways-to-train-your-memory.html
Posted on: Mon, 14 Jul 2014 12:23:15 +0000
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