Understanding the Mechanism of Memory
Human memory doesn't store input information as-is. Information moves from sensory memory through short-term memory to long-term memory. Much information is lost in this process.
According to the "forgetting curve" discovered by German psychologist Ebbinghaus, about 56% of learned content is forgotten after 1 hour, and about 74% after 1 day. However, by reviewing at appropriate timing, this forgetting can be significantly reduced.
Spaced Repetition
This is the most scientifically backed memory method. It promotes retention in long-term memory by reviewing information just when you're about to forget it.
Practice Method
- Learn new information
- First review after 1 day
- Second review after 3 days
- Third review after 1 week
- Fourth review after 2 weeks
- Fifth review after 1 month
Extend intervals when recalled, shorten when not. Flashcard apps like Anki and Quizlet automatically adjust these intervals.
Memory Palace (Method of Loci)
A memory technique passed down from ancient Greece that's still used in modern memory competitions. It utilizes spatial memory, creating images of placing information you want to remember in familiar locations.
Practice Method
- Choose a well-known place (home, commute route, etc.)
- Set characteristic points in that location in order
- Associate items to remember with each point
- Recall information by imagining walking through the place
For example, to remember a shopping list, imagine a milk carton at the entrance, a mountain of bread in the hallway, and eggs rolling around in the living room. The more bizarre and emotional the image, the more memorable it becomes.
Chunking
A technique for dividing information into meaningful groups. Human short-term memory can only hold 7±2 pieces of information at once, but chunking can overcome this limitation.
Practice Examples
The phone number "09012345678" is 11 digits, but by dividing it as "090-1234-5678," it can be remembered as 3 groups.
Historical dates are also easier to remember as a flow of events rather than mere numbers: "Battle of Sekigahara 1600 → Establishment of Edo Shogunate 1603 → Siege of Osaka 1615."
Elaborative Rehearsal
Promotes memory retention by processing information deeply through association with existing knowledge.
- Self-reference effect: Connect information to your own experiences
- Reasoning: Think about why it's that way
- Exemplification: Give concrete examples
- Comparison: Analyze similarities and differences
Simply memorizing "water boils at 100 degrees" is less memorable than connecting it: "At mountaintops, atmospheric pressure is low so the boiling point is also lower. That's why cup noodles made on mountains have hard cores."
The Relationship Between Sleep and Memory
Memory consolidation occurs during sleep. Getting sufficient sleep after learning is essential for memory retention.
- Sleep immediately after learning is particularly effective
- Naps also contribute to memory consolidation
- Sleep deprivation significantly reduces memory ability
Summary
Memory ability is not an innate talent but can be improved with appropriate techniques. Prevent forgetting with spaced repetition, organize large amounts of information with the memory palace, exceed short-term memory limits with chunking, and gain deep understanding with elaborative rehearsal. By combining these techniques and getting sufficient sleep, learning efficiency improves dramatically. We recommend starting with spaced repetition first.