A study done on memory has shown that people with amazing memories have a brain just like yours. The trick is to use mnemonics.
A number of years ago I listened to the Mega Memory tapes and read the Memory Book. Both of them recommended similar techniques to remember lists of things. When the techniques were fresh in my mind I could memorize a list of 10 random words or phrases without much of a problem. Unfortunately, I have since forgotten the pegs that form the basis of the memorization process.
Remembering lists of random numbers and names is fine for show and tell, but what about real memory problems. For example, remembering step by step instructions for how to do something, or detailed locations of items. My problem usually lies with trying to remember a given variable name on a line#, of a file in a directory. I also find myself forgetting language syntax when writing programs. Other than simple repetition, I don’t see how memory power would help in these situations.
A variable name, line number of a file or anything else is just a random number or phrase, so the techniques work for those as well. If you associate that word or phrase with a peg, then you can remember it by referring to the peg.
The other scenario you mentioned lends itself to what’s known as the mental walk. When I listened to the cassette tapes I was able to remember an entire story this way. Basically, you picture yourself on a path and you link things to each other as you walk down it. That way they’re in order so when you mentally walk down the path again, you come across each item (or instruction) in order.
The techniques work quite well, they just take time and effort to be able to use them effectively. I’ve heard once you get past the initial awkward stages (kind of like when you were first learning to drive a stick shift) it becomes second nature and you can remember things without a problem.
hmm, that does sound useful. I stand corrected. I’ll make an attempt at using he mental walk idea, but you’ll have to explain the “peg” concept to me some time.
Send me information on this
I don’t have any information to send you. If you want to learn more, I’d recommend reading “The Memory Book”