Meanings for Memory – Patterns

Over the past weeks we have looked at how we can add meaning to help us remember things. 

This included how we familiarity and rhymes can help.

This week we look at finding meaning through patterns. When things have a pattern, you are much more likely to remember them.

 

We already spoke about grouping.

But what about other patterns.

 

One that I have done in the past is remembering where the numbers are on a phone keypad and visualising the pattern it makes.

Photo by krystiannawrocki/iStock / Getty Images
Photo by krystiannawrocki/iStock / Getty Images

 

Another way, is through maths.

 

Think of the number, 7749.

 

Doesn’t pattern on the keypad. However, if you remember it like, 7x7 = 49, you are much more likely to remember the four numbers.

Photo by Jirapong Manustrong/iStock / Getty Images
Photo by Jirapong Manustrong/iStock / Getty Images

 

And you are much more likely to remember it much much later.

 

Patterns add meaning but also adds chunking which both help in remembering.

 

Patterns aren’t limited to numbers but can also work with words.

 

For example if you had to remember the word tree and fire. You would remember a tree on fire.

Photo by 2Mmedia/iStock / Getty Images
Photo by 2Mmedia/iStock / Getty Images

 

Or rainbow and ring, you could remember a ring coloured like a rainbow.

 

These give meanings to pairs with no meaning.

 

How can you use patterns to help you remember things?

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