Memory Psychology Questions
Describe something you have learned that is now in your procedural memory. Discuss how you learned this information.
- Create a mnemonic device to help you remember a term or concept from this chapter.
- Watch Joshua Foer’s video on the effectiveness of a memory palace and consider using this strategy to remember something from this chapter. https://www.ted.com/talks/joshua_foer_feats_of_memory_anyone_can_do#t-1205364 (Links to an external site.)
- Whichever mnemonic device you use, explain why you chose this particular one.
- If you were forced to lose one type of memory – sensory, short-term, or long-term – which would you select and why?
Answers:
One thing I have learned that is now in my procedural memory is typing. I learned how to type through a combination of online typing tutorials and practice. At first, I had to think about where each key was located and consciously move my fingers to type. But with repetition, the movements became automatic and I no longer had to consciously think about typing.
Mnemonic device: To remember the stages of memory, I would use the acronym “SAM” for Sensory memory, Short-term memory, and Long-term memory.
I chose this particular mnemonic device because it’s easy to remember and because it spells out a name, making it more memorable.
If I were forced to lose one type of memory, I would select sensory memory. While sensory memory is important for processing incoming information, it is also the shortest-lived and has the least impact on our daily lives. Losing short-term or long-term memory would have a much greater impact on my ability to function and remember important information.