11 Secrets to Memorize Things Quicker Than Others

BRIGHT SIDE
4 Dec 201710:45

Summary

TLDRThe script from 'Bright Side' offers eleven secrets to enhance memory retention, drawing parallels to the film 'Limitless'. It explains why we forget and introduces the spaced repetition technique for quick and long-term memorization. Tips include understanding the material, prioritizing key information, leveraging the serial position effect, and using interference theory. Additional strategies like creating a 'mind palace', using 'nail words', crafting stories, recording information, visualizing, and selecting up-to-date study materials are also highlighted to help viewers remember information more effectively.

Takeaways

  • πŸ’Š Bright Side discusses the concept of enhancing memory, much like the movie 'Limitless,' where a pill boosts recall.
  • 🧠 Our brain functions like a hard drive, where space is limited, leading to the erasure of less important information to avoid overload.
  • πŸ” Hermann Ebbinghaus's forgetting curve highlights that we forget over half of newly learned information within an hour, and only 30% remains after a day.
  • πŸ“ Spaced repetition is recommended for retaining information in long-term memory rather than forced memorization.
  • ⏰ Quick memorization involves repeating the information shortly after learning and several times over a 24-hour period.
  • πŸ“… For long-term retention, extend the memorization period with spaced repetition over months.
  • πŸ“– Understanding what you learn is crucial for effective memorization; retell information in your own words to grasp the main points.
  • 🎯 Prioritize the most necessary information to focus your memory efforts effectively.
  • πŸ”„ Utilize the serial position effect by placing key information at the beginning and end of learning sessions.
  • 🧱 Build a 'mind palace' by associating information with specific locations or familiar items to enhance recall.

Q & A

  • What is the main theme of the video script about?

    -The main theme of the video script is about techniques and tips to improve memorization and recall of information.

  • Why do we forget things according to the script?

    -We forget things because our brain is like a limited space hard drive, and it protects us from overloading with information by storing new data in short-term memory, which we quickly forget if not repeated or used.

  • Who is the character from the movie 'Limitless' and what was his special ability?

    -The main character from the movie 'Limitless' is not named in the script, but he found a special pill that allowed him to recall all experiences and knowledge whenever needed.

  • What is the forgetting curve as described by Hermann Ebbinghaus?

    -The forgetting curve, as described by Hermann Ebbinghaus, shows that we forget more than half of the learned information within an hour of learning something new, and only about 30% remains after a day.

  • What is the spaced repetition technique mentioned in the script?

    -Spaced repetition is a memorization technique that involves repeating information at increasing intervals to move it from short-term to long-term memory, thus helping to retain information for a longer time.

  • How does the script suggest memorizing something quickly for immediate use and then forgetting it?

    -The script suggests repeating the information right after learning it, with the second repetition after 15 to 20 minutes, the third after 6 to 8 hours, and the final repetition after 24 hours.

  • What is the memorization plan for long-term retention of information?

    -The plan for long-term retention includes repeating the material right after learning, then after 20 to 30 minutes, one day later, after two to three weeks, and finally after two to three months.

  • What is the importance of understanding what you learn according to the script?

    -Understanding what you learn is important because it allows you to form strong associations and makes it easier to memorize details and recall information when needed.

  • What is the serial position effect and how can it be used to memorize information?

    -The serial position effect is the phenomenon where items at the beginning and end of a list are remembered better. It can be used to place key information at the start and end of the material to enhance memorization.

  • What is the interference theory mentioned in the script and how can it affect learning?

    -The interference theory suggests that similar memories can get mixed and become confusing. To avoid this, it is recommended to take a long break before starting to learn something new that resembles previously learned information.

  • What are 'nail words' and how can they help in memorization?

    -Nail words are a technique where one learned item is connected to another, for example, learning 'nail' along with 'wall' and 'hammer'. This helps in building associations that can aid in recall.

  • Why is it suggested to make up stories when trying to memorize a lot of information in a particular order?

    -Making up stories helps in connecting pieces of information with a plot, which makes it easier to recall the sequence and fill in any gaps if some information is forgotten.

  • What is the advantage of using a tape recorder for memorization as suggested in the script?

    -Using a tape recorder allows for multi-sensory learning as you both see and hear the information. This increases the contact with the material and enhances memorization.

  • Why is visualizing and using body language recommended for learning according to the script?

    -Visualizing and using body language can trigger muscle memory, which is another way to reinforce learning and make information recall easier.

  • What is the advice given in the script regarding the selection of learning materials?

    -The script advises to choose only the best and most recent materials to avoid wasting time on outdated or incorrect information.

Outlines

00:00

🧠 Unlocking the Secrets to Better Memory

This paragraph introduces the concept of improving memory retention, referencing the movie 'Limitless' and the fictional pill that enhances memory. It discusses the natural limitations of our brains, comparing them to hard drives with limited space. The script explains why we forget and introduces the 'spaced repetition' technique as a method to move information from short-term to long-term memory. It also mentions the forgetting curve, a concept researched by Hermann Ebbinghaus, which illustrates how quickly we lose newly acquired information if not repeated or used.

05:05

πŸ“š Effective Memorization Techniques for Quick and Long-Term Recall

The second paragraph delves into specific memorization strategies for both short-term and long-term retention. It outlines a step-by-step memorization plan for quick learning, including repetition intervals of 15-20 minutes, 6-8 hours, and 24 hours after initial learning. For long-term memory, it extends the repetition intervals to one day, two to three weeks, and two to three months. The paragraph also provides eleven tips to enhance memorization, such as understanding the material, prioritizing key information, leveraging the serial position effect, avoiding interference with similar information, and learning opposite concepts together.

10:09

πŸ”‘ Practical Tips for Enhancing Memory Retention

The final paragraph offers additional memorization tips, including creating a 'mind palace' to associate information with physical locations, using 'nail words' to connect new vocabulary, making up stories to remember sequences, and using a tape recorder to engage multiple senses in the learning process. It emphasizes the importance of visualizing information and choosing up-to-date materials for effective learning. The paragraph concludes with a call to action for viewers to share their own memorization tips and to subscribe for more content from Bright Side.

Mindmap

Keywords

πŸ’‘Memorization Techniques

Memorization techniques refer to various strategies employed to enhance the ability to remember information. In the video's context, these techniques are essential for understanding how to improve memory retention. For instance, the script mentions 'spaced repetition' as a technique to move information from short-term to long-term memory, illustrating its application in the memorization process.

πŸ’‘Forgetting Curve

The forgetting curve, introduced by Hermann Ebbinghaus, describes the rate at which information is forgotten over time if no effort is made to retain it. The video uses this concept to explain why people forget newly learned information quickly, highlighting the importance of revisiting material to combat this natural decline in memory retention.

πŸ’‘Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition is a learning method that involves revisiting information at increasing intervals over time to enhance long-term memory retention. The video script describes this technique as a way to remember information for a longer period, emphasizing its effectiveness in contrast to forced memorization.

πŸ’‘Short-term Memory

Short-term memory, as discussed in the script, is a temporary storage system for holding information briefly. It is the initial stage where new data is stored before potentially moving to long-term memory. The video explains that if information is not repeated or used, it is quickly forgotten, indicating the role of short-term memory in the memorization process.

πŸ’‘Long-term Memory

Long-term memory is the memory system where information is stored for an extended period. The video script emphasizes the importance of transferring information from short-term to long-term memory for lasting retention, suggesting techniques like spaced repetition to achieve this.

πŸ’‘Serial Position Effect

The serial position effect is a phenomenon where items in a series are better remembered if they are at the beginning or end of the list. The video script advises using this effect to one's advantage by placing key information at the start and end of study materials to enhance memorization.

πŸ’‘Interference Theory

Interference theory in the context of the video refers to the idea that learning similar or unrelated information in close succession can lead to confusion and reduced retention. The script warns against mixing similar memories and suggests taking breaks before learning new, unrelated material.

πŸ’‘Mind Palace

A mind palace, also known as the method of loci, is a mnemonic device where information is associated with specific locations in a familiar environment. The video script references Sherlock Holmes using this technique to vividly recall information, suggesting its effectiveness in creating strong memory associations.

πŸ’‘Nail Words

Nail words is a memorization technique where one learned item is connected to another, creating a chain of associations. The video script uses the example of learning the French word for 'nail' and then associating it with related words like 'wall' and 'hammer' to enhance memory retention.

πŸ’‘Visualization

Visualization involves creating mental images to aid in the memorization process. The video script suggests using body language and mental imagery to trigger muscle memory, making the learning process more engaging and memorable.

πŸ’‘Up-to-date Materials

The script emphasizes the importance of using current and accurate study materials to ensure effective learning. It advises against using outdated books and instead encourages seeking the most recent information online, which is crucial for understanding and remembering reliable and relevant content.

Highlights

The brain is like a hard drive with limited space, leading to the deliberate forgetting of irrelevant information to prevent overloading.

New data is stored in short-term memory, and without repetition or use, it is quickly forgotten.

Hermann Ebbinghaus' forgetting curve demonstrates rapid loss of newly learned information within the first hour.

Spaced repetition is a memorization technique to move information into long-term memory, avoiding forced memorization.

For quick memorization, repeat information immediately after learning, then after 15-20 minutes, 6-8 hours, and 24 hours.

For long-term memorization, extend the repetition period to one day, two to three weeks, and two to three months.

Understanding the material you learn is crucial for effective memorization and easier recall.

Focus on learning the most necessary information and set priorities to manage large amounts of data.

The serial position effect highlights better memorization of information at the beginning and end of a list.

Interference theory suggests taking breaks and avoiding learning similar information in quick succession to prevent confusion.

Learning opposites together, such as 'day' and 'night', can help build connections in memory for easier recall.

Creating a 'mind palace' by associating information with specific places can enhance memorization.

Using 'nail words' to connect newly learned information with related concepts can aid in memorization.

Creating stories with the information to be memorized can help in maintaining the order and recall of details.

Using a tape recorder to record and replay information can engage multiple senses and improve memorization.

Visualization and body language can trigger muscle memory and enhance learning.

Selecting the best and most recent materials for learning ensures accuracy and relevance.

Transcripts

play00:06

Eleven secrets to memorize things quicker than others

play00:12

Have you seen the movie limitless i don't know i forget

play00:19

if you have you probably remember the main character who found a special pill that allowed him to recall all

play00:26

experience and knowledge and use it whenever he needed to

play00:29

if only this were true we learn things throughout our entire lives but we don't know everything

play00:35

because, we forget a lot of information why does this happen how could we remember things much better

play00:44

well bright side will tell you about some simple memorizing tips and a universal formula that will retrieve any

play00:51

information from your memory when you need it

play00:56

For starters let's talk about why we forget things your brain is like a hard drive the space is limited

play01:05

remember sherlock holmes he couldn't name all the planets of the solar system this was not because he missed school or something like that

play01:12

But because, he was too smart, to have such irrelevant information in his memory he deliberately erased facts he would never need

play01:21

this is what your brain does it protects you from

play01:24

Overloading with information that's why all new data is stored in the short-term memory not the long one

play01:30

So if you don't repeat it or use it you forget it very quickly

play01:37

a

play01:38

german psychologist

play01:39

hermann ebbinghaus researched the memory and its mechanisms he described the forgetting curve

play01:45

which shows that just one hour after learning something new we forget more than half of the learned information i'm sorry what was that

play01:52

anyway one day later we remember only about 30%

play01:56

well you can see where this is going

play02:00

So how to remember everything

play02:04

there is a memorization technique called spaced repetition

play02:07

To keep some information in your head for a longer time you need to try to put it into your long-term memory

play02:13

forced memorization is not very effective in this case because your brain can't make sense of the information quickly and form strong associations

play02:21

Here it all depends on the reason why you are learning something

play02:26

how, to memorize something quickly the first situation is when you need to learn the information quickly use it once and forget most of it

play02:34

This looks like a typical exam preparation right if you've been in a situation where you had only one night to prepare for an exam

play02:42

get this video alike

play02:44

To memorize something quickly repeat the information right after learning it the second repetition should be after 15 to 20 minutes

play02:52

You don't need to return to the information between repetitions

play02:56

just, rest and do something different let your brain relax

play03:00

Repeat the learn material the third time after 6 to 8 hours and you should have the final

play03:06

repetition 24 hours after the first contact with the information

play03:11

Try this method next time you need to memorize something quickly and tell us how it worked in the comment section don't forget okay

play03:20

Now, how to memorize something for a long time if you want to remember things for a long time you need to extend the memorization

play03:28

period here's the memorization plan the first repetition should be right after learning just like in the previous technique

play03:35

Repeat the material after 20 to 30 minutes and here things are different the third repetition should be only after one day

play03:44

The next one after two to three weeks and the final round is after two to three months

play03:50

this way you can learn something for a very long time

play03:53

Because the brain thinks that if you return to the information it means that it's necessary so it doesn't get erased now

play04:04

here are eleven simple tips that will help you memorize things easier and faster

play04:14

counting down from number eleven try to understand what you learn you

play04:21

probably know the feeling when you're learning something but you don't understand the information

play04:26

Usually such learning turns into a nightmare because it looks like learning a poem that has no arai

play04:32

Another bad thing about learning something you don't understand is that if you forget some part of it you will not be able to continue

play04:39

Because you have only memorized the order of words not their actual meaning that's why we don't recommend doing it this way

play04:47

What you should do is read the entire piece of information and figure out what the main point or points are

play04:53

try to retell what you have read using your own words

play04:56

Do it as simply as you can if you are successful that means you understood the information and now it will be way easier

play05:04

To memorize the details

play05:09

number 10 learn the most necessary information

play05:15

if you feel like you have too much on your plate set your priorities correctly

play05:21

decide what you have to know and what you can do without just fine after that

play05:26

Focus on the key parts of what you need to memorize if you find some time to devote, to the less important information great

play05:37

number nine serial position effect no this is not when you position your cheerios on the right side

play05:45

with learning something new remember this things that are at the beginning and the end are memorized the best

play05:53

use this, effect to your advantage sort the information so that the key parts are at the beginning and at the end

play06:02

number eight interference theory

play06:06

Switch your attention from one topic to another from one activity to another

play06:11

For example you're preparing for a public talk you've learned the text for 15 minutes it's time to take a break

play06:17

rest every 15 to 20 minutes because this is the period when attention is at its best and people usually stop being attentive

play06:25

So the best thing you can do is switch to something completely different like playing the guitar or watching a brightside video

play06:35

another thing you should be careful with is learning some similar information

play06:40

interference theory suggests that similar memories get mixed and become a mess that's why if you know you're about to learn something that at least

play06:48

remotely resembles what you've already learned we recommend taking a long break before starting something new

play06:58

number seven learn opposite things

play07:03

opposites are easily memorized in pairs for example if you're learning a new language

play07:09

memorized day and night together this way you will build a connection between these two things in your mind

play07:15

So if you forget one of them the second one will help you recall

play07:20

number six build your own mind palace and

play07:25

This is about sherlock holmes again do you remember how he could travel in his mind palace for hours looking for the necessary information

play07:33

Could ask me to get my mind palace the idea is to associate certain things with a certain place

play07:39

For example if you are in your room try to connect the thing you are learning to something in your room

play07:45

repeat it a few times after that

play07:48

To recall what the room looks like in your memory and repeat the things you learned this way or try this

play07:54

divided all the material you need to memorize into a few parts

play07:58

learn these parts in different parts of your apartment or better in different places in your city

play08:04

this

play08:04

way the memorized information won't be something dull or boring it will be associated with some other memories

play08:11

smells of places people you saw there and so on

play08:18

number five use nail words

play08:22

The point of this technique is to nail one learned thing to another for example if you need to memorize the french for nail

play08:31

you should also look up wall hammer and other words you can logically connect to nail

play08:38

number four make up stories

play08:41

If you need to memorize a lot of information in a particular order try to put the pieces into a story

play08:48

It's important that the pieces are connected to each other with some kind of plot so if you

play08:54

Accidentally forget something you can always recall what was supposed to happen next in the story

play08:59

yes, this might seem like you need even more effort but it's true believe us it works wonders

play09:07

number three use a tape recorder actually does anybody use a tape recorder anymore

play09:14

Well record the information somehow you are learning and listen to the recording a few times

play09:20

Yes it might take you some time to get used to the sound of your voice

play09:24

Like i had to do it might seem strange or unpleasant in the beginning

play09:29

this method is handy because it allows all types of memory work

play09:33

First you read the information so you saw it with your eyes and then you heard it with your ears

play09:39

The more contact you have with what you are learning the better you memorize it

play09:46

number two visualize

play09:52

use your body language when learning this will help you trigger your muscle memory and

play09:57

number one choose only the best materials

play10:02

don't use outdated books and methods of learning things have changed a lot since the books were written

play10:08

Don't waste your time on something that may turn out, to be wrong go online and check the most recent information on the subject

play10:17

Do you know any other memorizing tips if yes share them in the comment section below

play10:23

like this video and send it to your friends and of course don't forget

play10:27

how can you forget anything after watching this video

play10:31

Don't forget to click the subscribe button to join us on the bright side

Rate This
β˜…
β˜…
β˜…
β˜…
β˜…

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Related Tags
Memory TechniquesSpaced RepetitionLearning TipsForgetting CurveEbbinghaus CurveSherlock HolmesExam PreparationLong-Term MemoryMnemonic DevicesCognitive Psychology