Using the principles cognitive psychologist have discovered about memory, write 3 ways in
which you plan to either continue or change your study strategy. Remember to cite the studies
you are using as evidence and include references for each point.
Memory has been a topic of research for many of years. Researchers are attempting to
discover how and why people tend to lose memories. For students, this could be a very
interesting topic to learn about. Anderson (2015) proposed two main theories for how memories
tend to fade. The first was the decay theory, where memory fades over the course of time. The
second was the interference theory, where learning new information can cause old information
, to be forgotten about (Anderson, 2015). Arguments have been cast for both sides, but it seems
both theories have valid arguments and support. Regardless of the theory, there has to be ways
in which people can strengthen their memories in order to decrease the likelihood of forgetting
information. Squire (2004) stated that there is more than one type of learning; therefore, what
one person does may not be as effective for the next. The strategies used during the learning
process is what helps a person commit that knowledge to memory (Squire, 2004). After reading
this information, there are several different tactics to implement. However, I will discuss three
new options.
The first strategy I will implement is the time of day to study. Anderson (2015) discussed
mood congruence and state-dependent learning. These two styles of learning simply state that the
mood or state one learns the information in will be better recalled in the same state or mood
(Anderson, 2015). Personally, I have come to realize that I learn best when I am feeling relaxed.
In previous learning experiences, I have anxiously studied for tests, trying to cram information
into my brain. However, with the knowledge that my mood and state are important not only for
learning, but also for recall, I can adjust my study habits. Anderson (2015) recommended
studying at night, which has been shown to be a good time in which material is learned. As far as
application goes, I plan on creating a relaxing environment when I study (i.e. lighting candles,
playing background music), as well as when I take tests.
A second strategy for better improving my learning habits is studying information
in a meaningful way. Anderson (2015) suggests elaborating information in order to make it
meaningful. By doing so, I will have a better chance at remembering the information I have
studied. Rohrer and Pashler (2010) suggest interleaving studying rather than blocked type
studying. By interleaving my study habits, I will separate my topics. The blocking type of
learning is studying the same information over and over, and then moving on to the next. Rohrer
and Pashler (2010) state that separating the learning process over small periods of time helps
solidify the information into long-term memories. I will be able to space my studying, giving me
a chance to interpret the information into meaningful stories. As I give myself time to process
the information, my brain will be able to fully understand what it is I am studying. Therefore, the
next time I study the information, I will have a foundation set.
A third strategy is to study for recall rather than recognition. This type of studying comes
with the repeating of information. Karpicke and Roediger (2008) state that repeating information
helps move the new knowledge into long-term memory as opposed to short-term. They suggest
testing oneself in order to repeat the learning process. Testing oneself creates a high-arousal
situation, which according to Anderson (2015), helps with retention. The authors suggest testing
oneself until the information is able to be recalled as opposed to recognized (Karpicke &
Roediger, 2008). Recalling information is pulling the information from memory, meaning that
which you plan to either continue or change your study strategy. Remember to cite the studies
you are using as evidence and include references for each point.
Memory has been a topic of research for many of years. Researchers are attempting to
discover how and why people tend to lose memories. For students, this could be a very
interesting topic to learn about. Anderson (2015) proposed two main theories for how memories
tend to fade. The first was the decay theory, where memory fades over the course of time. The
second was the interference theory, where learning new information can cause old information
, to be forgotten about (Anderson, 2015). Arguments have been cast for both sides, but it seems
both theories have valid arguments and support. Regardless of the theory, there has to be ways
in which people can strengthen their memories in order to decrease the likelihood of forgetting
information. Squire (2004) stated that there is more than one type of learning; therefore, what
one person does may not be as effective for the next. The strategies used during the learning
process is what helps a person commit that knowledge to memory (Squire, 2004). After reading
this information, there are several different tactics to implement. However, I will discuss three
new options.
The first strategy I will implement is the time of day to study. Anderson (2015) discussed
mood congruence and state-dependent learning. These two styles of learning simply state that the
mood or state one learns the information in will be better recalled in the same state or mood
(Anderson, 2015). Personally, I have come to realize that I learn best when I am feeling relaxed.
In previous learning experiences, I have anxiously studied for tests, trying to cram information
into my brain. However, with the knowledge that my mood and state are important not only for
learning, but also for recall, I can adjust my study habits. Anderson (2015) recommended
studying at night, which has been shown to be a good time in which material is learned. As far as
application goes, I plan on creating a relaxing environment when I study (i.e. lighting candles,
playing background music), as well as when I take tests.
A second strategy for better improving my learning habits is studying information
in a meaningful way. Anderson (2015) suggests elaborating information in order to make it
meaningful. By doing so, I will have a better chance at remembering the information I have
studied. Rohrer and Pashler (2010) suggest interleaving studying rather than blocked type
studying. By interleaving my study habits, I will separate my topics. The blocking type of
learning is studying the same information over and over, and then moving on to the next. Rohrer
and Pashler (2010) state that separating the learning process over small periods of time helps
solidify the information into long-term memories. I will be able to space my studying, giving me
a chance to interpret the information into meaningful stories. As I give myself time to process
the information, my brain will be able to fully understand what it is I am studying. Therefore, the
next time I study the information, I will have a foundation set.
A third strategy is to study for recall rather than recognition. This type of studying comes
with the repeating of information. Karpicke and Roediger (2008) state that repeating information
helps move the new knowledge into long-term memory as opposed to short-term. They suggest
testing oneself in order to repeat the learning process. Testing oneself creates a high-arousal
situation, which according to Anderson (2015), helps with retention. The authors suggest testing
oneself until the information is able to be recalled as opposed to recognized (Karpicke &
Roediger, 2008). Recalling information is pulling the information from memory, meaning that
