5.2: Remembering What to Say
Memory retrieval, including recall and recognition, is the process of remembering information stored in long-term memory. Consider the patterns of memory retrieval with which you are most comfortable.
This reading provides an overview of the techniques you can use to remember things like names, dates, numbers, locations, and more. Mnemonic cues are just one such technique that you will learn about in this subunit.
The link system one of the simplest mnemonics. It is based on a general approach referred to as pegging, wherein you treat what you need to remember like a coat that you hang on a peg. Remembering where or what the peg is enables you to remember the coat itself. Because mnemonics can seem a bit intimidating at first, the link system is being introduced first because of its relative simplicity even though, technically, it is a subcategory of the peg system, which is discussed next.
This article describes the basis of a number of mnemonic cues: pegging. Keep in mind that not all mnemonics suit every person. Consider this as you review not only this reading but also other mnemonic systems that are closely related to the peg system, such as the link system. The techniques covered here have been chosen primarily because they use easy-to-understand language and are relatively simple to apply.
As you read, evaluate how well this and other systems might work for you.
Do you have a "memory palace"? Read this article about how to use this technique to remember everything.
This brief article will introduce you to three systems for remembering numbers.
Read this brief article, which shows you how you can remember numbers by associating them with shapes that look like numbers. Take a moment to follow the link to Wikimedia Commons at the end of the page. There, you will find many more examples of shapes that can be used to remember numbers.
Read this brief article, which shows you how you can remember numbers by associating them with words they sound like. For example, here are a set of words you could use to remember a phone number: Tree Hive Shoe, Tree Hero Heaven, Tree Hive Heaven Tree (352-307-3573).
With this technique, you remember a series of letters by connecting the letter shape with the shape of an object. Within this reading, you will find tables that include links to objects that look like the letters that need to be remembered. Take a moment to click on some of those links so you can visualize what is being described.
Also make sure you continue scrolling down below the "Letter Shape System" to learn about the "Letter Sound System," which helps you remember letters by connecting them to words whose pronunciation emphasizes the sounds of the letters you need to remember.
This simple test will enable you to discover the limits of your ability to remember letters. This website is designed to help you expand your abilities by testing you and then linking you to resources that can help you improve in specific ways.
While many of the resources cover the same information provided in this subunit, you may find additional information that will help you expand your memory. To discover whether or not the resources are helpful, test yourself again using this activity while applying the techniques you've learned.