Training and testing long-term memory
Training and testing long-term memory
Is there any research that demonstrates improvements in long-term memory after a training regiment? Also, how would one continuously track progress as a response to some intervention like a cognitive training program or medication? Are there any computer based long-memory test that can be taken repeatedly? It seems that the challenge would be to demonstrate that gains are not just test specific practice effects and would transfer to real-life tasks.
lastneuron | 3 years ago
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I'm not sure if you would say you "improve" your long term memory. LTM is just there. You're probably talking about efficiency of retrieval, and/or counteracting memory decay. The other issue at hand is LTM transfer and LTP.
As the anonymous comment said, SuperMemo is a useful program that targets the LTM -- paired associate learning to be precise. Mnemosyne-project is a free and open source version of something similar.
But I think your question is more about LTM transfer, correct? That is to say, remembering something long-term, after brief exposure? I guess the spaced-repetition programs can measure that to some extent, if they can accurately show your memory decay characteristics (to be honest, I don't think they can, accurately).
However, stronger associative memory begets stronger associative memory. When you learn more, it is easier to learn more. In terms of repeated measurements, there is a risk of the measurement itself, being repetitive, of becoming a domain-specific and adapted task. At the time you see improvements (which you will), it will be hard to pinpoint exactly what led to the improvement.
As the anonymous comment said, SuperMemo is a useful program that targets the LTM -- paired associate learning to be precise. Mnemosyne-project is a free and open source version of something similar.
But I think your question is more about LTM transfer, correct? That is to say, remembering something long-term, after brief exposure? I guess the spaced-repetition programs can measure that to some extent, if they can accurately show your memory decay characteristics (to be honest, I don't think they can, accurately).
However, stronger associative memory begets stronger associative memory. When you learn more, it is easier to learn more. In terms of repeated measurements, there is a risk of the measurement itself, being repetitive, of becoming a domain-specific and adapted task. At the time you see improvements (which you will), it will be hard to pinpoint exactly what led to the improvement.
cognitivefun | 3 years ago
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I tried using supermemo for a while but the interface was mind boggling. But I'm currently using Anki and love it. It has great features and a very clean interface.
sygenator | 3 years ago
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I agree with cogntivefun. Through the associative memory lens, the best and most practiced way to improve any memory is to associate actively.
If you are looking for a specific area in which to improve you long term memory, my advice would be to break the information into important chunks and code the chunks individually. Like if you are interested in memorizing phone numbers, invest sometime in the Major System or any other mnemonic system. Alternatively, if you are studying a subject with many different facts to recall, a program like Super Memo might be worth the time investment.
On the topic of spaced repetition, I experimented with Mnemosyne over the last semester by adding all of my Russian vocab. I found that the largest obstacle to retaining and refreshing the vocab that I had built up was more a problem with how often I practiced than any shortcoming with the program. My only complaint is that Mnemosyne has a maximum of 5 days on delay. It did, however, help me to memorize 100+ words before each midterm and final.
Though I have no education or evidence to back up my opinion, I think that most (if not all) memory improvements are the product of more efficient encoding and better retrieval strategies. I suggest mnemonic devices and memory palaces as agents for improving your long term memory.
If you are looking for a specific area in which to improve you long term memory, my advice would be to break the information into important chunks and code the chunks individually. Like if you are interested in memorizing phone numbers, invest sometime in the Major System or any other mnemonic system. Alternatively, if you are studying a subject with many different facts to recall, a program like Super Memo might be worth the time investment.
On the topic of spaced repetition, I experimented with Mnemosyne over the last semester by adding all of my Russian vocab. I found that the largest obstacle to retaining and refreshing the vocab that I had built up was more a problem with how often I practiced than any shortcoming with the program. My only complaint is that Mnemosyne has a maximum of 5 days on delay. It did, however, help me to memorize 100+ words before each midterm and final.
Though I have no education or evidence to back up my opinion, I think that most (if not all) memory improvements are the product of more efficient encoding and better retrieval strategies. I suggest mnemonic devices and memory palaces as agents for improving your long term memory.
Whoopska | 3 years ago
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super memo is the program you are looking for, perhaps also utorrent (a p2p program) and a search on torrentz.com for 'super memo 2006'
:)
also try googling brain workshop
:)
also try googling brain workshop
? | 3 years ago
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[working memory is a bottleneck.
if you cant put declarative information in working, you cant put it into long term
however, it is conceivable that some could be very good at storing what is in their working memories, so the converse would not necessarily be true]
i haven't seen any.
i don't know, but it probably depends.
sure, paired associates learning with retesting hours/days later; some papers use a test like this to gauge consolidation effects.
if you cant put declarative information in working, you cant put it into long term
however, it is conceivable that some could be very good at storing what is in their working memories, so the converse would not necessarily be true]
i haven't seen any.
i don't know, but it probably depends.
sure, paired associates learning with retesting hours/days later; some papers use a test like this to gauge consolidation effects.
medicalstudent | 3 years ago
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