Argument: Memory Tricks
When S.F. was given memory tests to determine how many numbers they could memorize and recite. After S.F practiced for over 250 hours, he was able to recite over 80 numbers after hearing them spoken in one second intervals. In addition, it was concluded that, "with practice... there is seemingly no limit to memory performance" (55). However, when he was tested with letters instead of numbers, his ability to memorize them reverted to a normal level, signifying that had not augmented his short term memory capacity. S.F. was able to memorize so many numbers by grouping them into fours and relating them to running times, which connected this new information to existing information he had about running.
What are the implications of expanding one's ability to recall information through the use of existing information in the brain? How is this technique similar and different to expanding one's memory? Are there any plausible ways to teach mnemonic devices and retrieval systems that can be widely applied or taught to students in order to increase the capacity to recall information for a generation?
Laura Perlman (laura4@comcast.net)
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ReplyDeleteS.F. Used a mnemonic device to expand his ability to recall a short list of numbers. This mnemonic that S.F. used allowed him to group the sequences of numbers he heard into sections so that he would only have to remember the sections of numbers rather than the individual numbers themselves. Understandably, his method for remembering numbers specifically did not translate to other aspects of short term memory such as the memorization of letters.
ReplyDeleteLong term potentiation(LTP) is referred to as a lasting increase in the strength of a synaptic transmission by Campbell on page 1080. This is believed to be connected to the formation of long term memories. Biologists are still unclear as to exactly how memories are formed but it is believe that long term memory is connected to LTP.
It would be extremely convenient to develop a easily applicable mnemonic device that would allow people to remember vast quantities of information in short periods of time. However, having tried the loci system and peg-word system to store information for long term use, I can say with reasonable certainty that the two methods I have tried- though very effective- are far too time consuming to be used on a day to day basis. However, should a method that allows students to memorize vast quantities of information in short periods of time be discovered, it would revolutionize the educational system. Additionally, I believe that it would likely allow civilization to rapidly begin to advance. As renowned physicist Michio Kaku would put it: progress to a type 1 civilization.
Vlad Miskevich (vladmiskevich@yahoo.com)
This study goes to prove the old saying true, practice makes perfect. S.F. was able to put in 250 hours of practice and it paid off. Over time, S.F. learned memory tricks and became able to employ strategies that would get him passed his natural limit. "Early in the twentieth century it was believed that experts were innately talented with a superior ability to store information in memory", said Ericsson (243). Yet, more modern research suggests that memory is the result of acquired skill. This would imply that there are in fact mnemonic devices and retrieval systems that can be widely applied or taught to students in order to increase the capacity to recall information. Howe, Davidson, and Sloboda wrote, "The conclusion is clear: the talent for being a memory expert reflects both experimental and individual-difference factors. In this case because the age association and the extreme robustness of the individual difference finding, the likelihood is high that biology based factors are involved" (241). Once again, we note that application of GXE vs. G+E expanding our comprehension on biology. S.F. showed that we have the ability to use environmental factors such as our pre-established understanding of running to help us challenge our natural limits. It is not just the genes you have, but how they interact with the environment, in this case how stimulating can expand growth. Wikipedia says, "A stimulus activates a spatial pattern of activity across neurons in a brain region. As these neurons fire, the available neurotransmitters in their store are depleted and this pattern of depletion is iconic, represents stimulus information and functions as a memory trace". That being said, our short term memory devices are allowing our spatial patterns of the brain to increase in sophistication and our neurotransmitters can function even faster.
ReplyDeleteJane Rose (5-6a) Jane.sam.r@gmail.com