Memory Essay

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This essay aims to discuss how one can develop effective study skills through various techniques used in the encoding, storage and retrieval stages of the memory. The essay will first provide an insight as to how the memory functions. Secondly it will discuss the following techniques: elaborative rehearsal, mnemonics and retrieval methods and also providing evidence from researches done. Lastly it will discuss the following techniques; state dependant learning and interference as to how one can avoid any retrieval failures.

The memory describes as the mental capacity to retain and revive visual, auditory and physical information (Coon & Mitterer, 2012). Through this, one is able to remember facts, events, impressions and many past experiences (Coon & Mitterer, 2012). There are three components to the memory. These are the sensory memory, short-term memory and the long-term memory (Coon & Mitterer, 2012). The sensory stage is where all types of stimuli are registered and processed (Coon & Mitterer, 2012). Depending on the amount of attention and importance placed in the incoming information, will determine whether the information will enter the short-term memory (Coon & Mitterer, 2012). This describes the encoding phase that takes place in the short-term memory stage where the brain converts the information into a form in order for it to be contained for a later stage (Coon & Mitterer, 2012). Owing to the limited space in the short-term memory, all information and stimuli that enters through here are subject to decay and further forgotten (Coon & Mitterer, 2012). Only through emphasis and repetition will the information enter and stay in the long-term memory (Coon & Mitterer, 2012). This is where the storage phase takes place w...

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...t being tested by on the material leading before the exam results in better memory. In this research the students that were tested on the prose passage retained the information longer than the students who reread the prose passage. It is also beneficial to explain the study material that has been learnt to a person who does know about it, as it allows one to explain the material in their own words and therefore reinforcing the information in a different form (Goldstein, 2011).

There are moments where one fails to recall information when needed as this may be caused decay and interference. Decay occurs when information gradually disappears from the long-term memory (Sternberg, Sternberg, & Mio, 2012). Interference occurs when a recollection of one part of information disturbs the recollection of another part of information (Sternberg, Sternberg, & Mio, 2012).

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