How Does Memory Work and Can We Improve It?

Memory is one of the most amazing abilities that our brains have - it allows us to learn, adapt, and make sense of the world around us. Whether you are remembering a friend's birthday, revising for an exam, or simply trying to remember where you left your book, memory plays a central role in everyday life. But how exactly does memory work? Why do we sometimes forget things we thought we knew while other memories stay with us forever? And more importantly, can we actively improve our memory? In this post I'll explore how memory works, what affects it, and how we might strengthen it using tools backed by psychology and neuroscience.

How does memory work?

Memory is the term given to the structures and processes involved in the storage and retrieval of information. According to 'Simply Psychology' there are 3 stages of memory - encoding, storage, and retrieval.

The first stage is encoding, in which information comes into our memory system and is changed into a form that the system can cope with so that it can be stored. This relies on attention and the depth of processing like repeating information, or connecting it to meaning. The three main ways in which information can be encoded is visual(picture) , acoustic (sound) and semantic (meaning). For example, when you are remembering a phone number you have looked up, if you see it then you are using visual coding, but if you are repeating it to yourself you are using acoustic coding. Some research suggests that the principle coding system in short term memory is acoustic coding but in long term memory it is mainly semantic coding (however it can be coded both visually and accousticaly).

The second stage is memory storage which is about the nature of memotry stores - for example, where the information is stored and how long the memory lasts. The way that information is stored affects the way that it is retrieved. Most adults can store 5-9 items in short term memory, but long term memory is thought to have an unlimited capacity. Information can only be stored in STM for a brief duration but in LTM it can be stored for a lifetime.

The third stage is memory retrieval which is getting the information out of storage. Retrieval can happen in two main ways: recall and recognition. Recall is when we bring a memory to mind without any cues, like answering an exam question from memory. Recognition, on the other hand, is when we identify something we’ve previously learned when we see or hear it again – for example, recognising the correct answer in a multiple-choice question. How easily we retrieve a memory depends on how well it was encoded and stored in the first place. Retrieval is usually easier if we are in a similar situation to when we first learned the information – this is called context-dependent memory. For example, some people find they remember things better when they’re in the same room or environment where they studied. There is also state-dependent memory, where recall improves if you are in the same emotional or physical state as you were when you learned the information.

What does it mean to 'forget'?

If we can't retrieve something, then we might experience 'forgetting' even if the memory stille xists somewhere in our brain. It doesn't mean that the memory is gone because it might be stored in our brain but temporarily can't be accessed. One common reason for forgetting is trace decay, which is when the memory just fades over time if it isn't used or rehearsed. Another reason is displacement which is when new information pushes old information out of short term memory because of its limited capacity. There's also interference, which is when similar memories get mixed up or block each other. Forgetting can also happen due to retrieval failure where memory is there but can't be accessed because of missing cues or context. Sometimes we may forget something because we have failed to encode the information properly in the first place. In other cases, we might intentionally forget a memory that is stressful, embarrassing or traumatic.

VeryWellMind says that there are two main types of forgetting - retroactive interface and proactive interface. Retroactive interface is when new information interferes with our ability to remember old information. Proactive interface is when old information intereferes with our ability to remember new information.

Can we improve memory?

Research suggests that yes - we can improve our memory! One of the most effective techniques is spaced repetition, which means reviewing things regularly over time instead of cramming it all at the same time. This is good because it strengthens the neural connections in the brain which means memories are easier to retrieve. Another method which can improve memory is chunking which is when you break down large bits of information into smaller manageable groups. For example, remembering a phone number as three seperate chunks instead of one long string of numbers.

Sleep also plays a huge role in improving memory. During sleep, the brain processes and organises information from the day which helps to store in in long term memory. So this means that getting enough sleep isn't just good for your health, but also vital for remembering things.

Even using memory tricks like mnemonics, rhymes or mental images can help with remembering facts as it makes them more fun and easier to recall. Ultimately, memory isn't just something you're born with, it's a skill that can be trained, supported, and improved with the right habits.

Overall, memory shapes how we learn, connect with others, and make sense of the world around us. It's made up of complex but very fascinating processes. and while forgetting is definitely frustrating, it's also part of how our brains manage information. But memory isn't fixed, and we can strengthen it with techniques like spaced repetition, chunking, and even getting enough sleep. By understanding how memory works, we aren't just helping ourselves to revise better or remember more, but we are learning how to work with our brains and not against them. 

Sources

Simply Psychology - https://www.simplypsychology.org/memory.html

VeryWellMind - https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-5-stages-of-memory-5496658

Mayo Clinic - https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/memory-loss/art-20046518