Morteza Javid’s Comments on Short-Term Memory and How to Improve it

To know short-term memory better, we must first see its place in the human memory system.

Sensory memory is volatile memory that lasts less than half a second. This memory allows you to memorize an image, sound, or other senses almost photographically. These very volatile images are transferred to short-term memory instantly.

Short-term memory acts as a filter and a short-term storage tank. Sensory memories enter this memory and then are either forgotten or sent to be stored in long-term memory.

Long-term memory is a place to permanently store the information considered valuable. Unlike sensory and short-term memory, long-term memory can store unlimited amounts of information indefinitely.

Comparing memory with a computer is a fitting way to explain how it works:

Your short-term memory works like RAM, providing a workspace for fast computing.

Your long-term memory is like your computer’s Hard Drive, where data is stored permanently.

For years, it was believed that we could only store about seven pieces (or a small amount) of data in our short-term memory. But new research has shown that the actual number might be less than that. Our short-term memory can probably store only four pieces of information at a given time.

Short-term memory impairment can be annoying, upsetting, and embarrassing, and one certainly wants to prevent it from getting worse. There are several techniques for boosting short-term memory, and you will get the best results if you do them all together.   

First, there are tips to improve memory that will help you retain new information.

Do not perform several tasks at once. Your brain has to choose what it is going to remember. So, by reducing the options, do not let it filter what you want it to do.

Avoid distractions. Short-term memory is fragile. For example, if something distracts you on the way to the kitchen, you might forget why you are going there.

Focus completely. Avoid thinking about tomorrow or worrying about yesterday’s events. Your ability to focus on the current situation can greatly improve your ability to learn and memorize new information.

Say it out loud. If there is a name, number, or subject that you want to memorize, repeat it aloud several times to yourself. This simple technique will help you remember it.