Memory Secrets and Myths

Have you ever wondered how it is possible for us to recall what as happened to us as early as 3 years old? Isn’t it amazing how we can store huge amounts of information and can retrieve most of them easily?

All this is possible through the memorizing process. But what exactly is memory? How are memories formed?

Even though science continues to give us ever increasing insights into what memory is, much of it remains a mystery. Researchers consider memory a process, and when you remember you are actually reconstructing the event from bits of information stored in various parts of the brain.

There are three major processes involved in memory: encoding, storage and retrieval.

In order to form new memories, information must be changed into a usable form, which occurs through the process known as encoding. Once information has been successfully encoded, it must be stored in memory for later use. Much of this stored memory lies outside of our awareness most of the time, except when we actually need to use it. The retrieval process allows us to bring stored memories into conscious awareness.   

There are many myths in circulation about memory, but what is fact and what is myth?.

Myth 1: It is good to remember as much as possible.

 Fact: Not all knowledge is useful and if you forget the unimportant, the brain can remember more easily and more quickly identify the important memories.

 Myth 2: Some things can be remembered forever.

 Fact: The memory needs to be refreshed, so the more frequent recalling old memories or factual knowledge , the better you will be able to remember it .

 Myth 3: Some people have photographic memory, so they can remember every detail of a scenery.

 Fact: Although some people (eg some autistic people) have an extremely good memory, photographic memory has never been demonstrated.

Myth 4: Memory is like a MUSCLE and Benefits from Exercise

Fact: There is no evidence that simply memorizing over and over will improve your memory. What will improve your memory is practicing memorizing using the memory skills.

 Myth 5: A good memory can be even better with medication.

 Fact: Some medicines may strengthen some aspects of memory, but everything indicates that it is at the expense of other types of memory or mental ability.

Sources: Secrets of the Brain: The Mystery of Memory by by Tonia E. Chrapko, B.Ed.

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