Long-term memory is the most important and most complex memory system. If we hold the event for several minutes, it moves to long-term memory.
Short-term and long-term memory
Short-term memory is a repository for small pieces of information. If it does not matter much, it is immediately dropped from the repository. Short-term memory does not allow us to memorize useless dates and phone numbers, but thanks to it, we are building our thinking processes.
Long-term memory stores only important information. It is in this repository that everything that you know about the world is located. Where ever you are, this knowledge is always with you. Experts argue that long-term memory is endowed with unlimited volume. So, the more a person knows, the easier it starts to remember new data. Long-term memory can not be filled to capacity.
It should be noted that there is also a long-term memory. If a person performs an action, for example, performs calculations, he carries them out in parts, keeping in mind some intermediate results, that's the kind of long-term memorization that works in similar cases.
Types of long-term memory
- Implicit memory is formed in the brain unconsciously and does not involve verbal expression. This, so-called, "hidden" type of memory.
- Explicit memory is created consciously. A person consciously holds it, and if desired can voice the stored information.
Experts argue that both types of long-term memory can conflict with each other. For example, in order to manifest our subconscious memory, we must stop thinking and vice versa. The conflict between these two species can lead to trouble.
For a better understanding, let us give an example. A person remembers thanks to subconscious memory how to drive a car. But if at the moment of driving to think and focus on something more significant and serious for him, there is a risk of getting into an accident. Based on this, it is important to learn how to use two types of long-term memory wisely. It is not easy to engage them simultaneously, but it is necessary to learn how to highlight the one that is most important at the moment.
How to improve long-term memory?
- Learn how to use the method of associations. If you need to remember an event, provide it with a picture or an object you like. For example, your work is connected with people and you need to remember one of your customers, and therefore imagine next to him a pineapple, a funny rabbit, etc.
- Learn to concentrate. Do not try to remember the information with the background sound. Otherwise, you will constantly be distracted, and spend your energy on processing unnecessary data.
- If you need to remember a set of words that are not related to each other in meaning, try to think up a story
with each of them. When the list is too big, think of several such stories. - Break the information into blocks. If you need to quickly memorize the text , simply divide it into pieces and start memorizing from the first. By the way, on telephone numbers, spaces are indicated for this purpose.
- Start memorizing the smells. While memorizing, place a source of a pleasant smell near you, for example, a bottle of perfume. During the exam or performance, just bring the bottle to the nose - the brain will immediately seek to find information related to this smell.
Long-term memory allows us to live a full life, to learn valuable lessons and fulfill our plans. Try to train your memory so that at the right time it does not fail you. For long-term storage use the above tips.