Question

What is working memory capacity. Explain also how can you use the working memory principles explained in the talk to improve your learning and memory (e.g. learning more efficiently and performing better in tests).

Answer 1

Working memory is the stage 2 of memory model given by Atkinson and Shiffrin ( 1971). The short term memory or working memory can retain 5 to 9 items and the duration is of 15 to 30 seconds, which is close to less than a minute. In this memory system information is held for brief periods of time, while it is getting used.

Principles of working memory that can help an individual get better at remembering and perform better in a test are:

- Chunking is a way out to remember information and getting marks in your test. Chunking is basically dividing information / data into small chunks in a meaningful way so you can recall it easily. For eg - if you want to remember an account number of 16 digits - divide it into small chunks so it is easier to recollect.

- Rehearsal of the information you just fed your mind with. Maintenance Rehearsal is the act of repeating some information in your head over and over again so that it remains in the STM ( short term memory).

- Mnemonics is one such memory technique that can help you retain information if practiced regularly. For eg - you want to remember steps to a full fledged 12 marks questions and there are almost 12 points to it. Here, you can take the first initial of every heading of the pointer and form a mnemonic out of it. Just like, parts of brain or for personal traits , we have OCEAN.