So we have learned about how we have learnt about memory. New technology that has improved how we can ‘see’ our brain at work. we will explore how to use this knowledge to improve our memory in everyday life. We will look at techniques to better encode information and increase our chances to recall and remember information later.

There is a common myth that we absorb everything around us, like a GoPro always recording. Then when we forget things, it is because we lost the file. But that is only part of the story. Where it comes apart is that we don’t actually absorb everything. For us to commit something to memory, we need to pay attention to it.

Studies show that visual material is remembered differently to verbal material . They show that verbal memory is primarily dealt with in the left part of the brain while imagery is primarily processed in the right side. Many studies have found that visual imagery can improve your memory…even for memory of verbal material. Images are more memorable than words.

Association is another way that things gain meaning. Association doesn’t have to be conscious but can also be unconscious. While association helps by giving meaning to things, it also helps by helping us to cross-reference our memories. Thus, associations can be formed intentionally helping us to better encode our memories. They can also be used to recall information that has been filed and associated unconsciously.

Things are easier to remember when they mean something to us. One way we organise our memories is by categories. Research has found when things are organised into categories, it helps in learning the information. This is made even better when people are told which categories the items could be organised in and told to pay attention to that .