24 Memory Systems
Description
This article is from the Self Improvement FAQ, by Loren Larsen llarsen@cs.clemson.edu with numerous contributions by others.
24 Memory Systems
Q. What's the deal with all these memory systems?
A. Quite often the question comes up regarding memory systems. One
has either read a book, or has seen an infomercial concerning
it. Do they work and are they worth the money?
A quick bit of history. Recorded history concerning memory
systems is documented to about 500B.C.. There are indications that
these were in existence as early as 1500B.C., but only fragments
exist supporting this claim. The ancient orators used these
systems to help deliver their famous speeches.
In modern times we have books, audio cassettes, and video
recordings all teaching memory systems. One cannot really
compare one system to another. All have some good features to
them. All are taught by people who have been in the business or
have studied it. Most of the systems utilize a principle called
mnemonics. Simply stated, this means assisting the human memory
by artificially adding mental pictures or images attached to the
item to be retained in our mind.
These systems DO work, but you have to put in some time and
effort to learn the basics. Once you do this, you will find the
systems learned will be invaluable to you for the rest of your
life.
Virtually anything you wish to remember can be memorized by
utilizing these systems. They are not a waste of your time.
Often the question of cost is raised. The books cost a few
dollars while the book + audio/video combinations are much more
expensive. Usually this is in the area today of $200 - $300 or
more. Obviously the utilization of the audio/video is more
effective due to the learning principles involved. Our retention
is greater and our learning time is shortened. Books, on the
other hand, are less expensive, but take a bit longer to learn
from. An on-site seminar is the best possible way to learn these
systems.
Books on the retail market by Harry Lorayne and Tony Buzan are
among the best available, although others are published that are
equally effective.
One of the best background texts I have ever run across is by
Kenneth L Higbee of Brigham Young Univ. He is the only one that
has done the homework in this business although others are now
coming on line with more current study findings. His book is
titled "Your Memory - How it Works and How to Improve it".
(Contributed by: r.follmer@genie.geis.com)
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