For decades, nothing has been more hotly contested than the subject of human memory.
From major discoveries in short-term memory to how our brain stores away our long-term memories, many experts have been simultaneously baffled and awed by the power of memory.
But like with most neurological functions within our brains, human memory is often shrouded in myth and misplaced facts. These myths aren’t just frustrating for those who want to understand more about how our powerful brains work…
…They can be downright debilitating for individuals who want to learn how to improve their memory.
So with that in mind, let’s take a look at the top ten myths about memory – and bust each and every one of them!
2. For decades, nothing has been more hotly
contested than the subject of human memory.
From major discoveries in short-term memory
to how our brain stores away our long-term
memories, many experts have been
simultaneously baffled and awed by the
power of memory.
3. But like with most neurological functions within
our brains, human memory is often shrouded
in myth and misplaced facts. These myths
aren’t just frustrating for those who want to
understand more about how our powerful
brains work…
4. …They can be downright debilitating for
individuals who want to learn how to improve
their memory.
5. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at the top
ten myths about memory – and bust each and
every one of them!
6. Myth: Memories Can Last For a
Lifetime
This favorite tagline of advertisers everywhere is
nothing more than a myth. In fact, many
reputable experts believe that it’s possible to
learn enough things within our lifetime that
will “push out” long-term memories from
when we were younger.
7. Although researchers have tried to develop a
method for creating permanent memories
(commonly known as “permastore”), in truth,
the human is a lot like a cup – and when you
have too many memories, it simply runneth
over.
8. Myth: Repetition Helps to Improve
Memory.
Say good-bye to flashcards and lists, because
this favorite “memorization technique” only
helps to reinforce short-term memory.
9. If you want to transfer short-term memory into
long-term memory (for example, you need to
bone up on your vocabulary for a test fast),
then you’re better off used spaced repetition,
which encourages followers to review their
material at certain timed intervals.
10. Myth: Memory is Improved by
Visualization.
A picture’s worth a thousand words, right? Not
when it comes to improving your memory. In
fact, your ability to improve your memory
depends on the type of learner you are.
11. If you’re a visual learner, then you’ll remember
facts better when presented visually.
However, if your learning is enhanced by
reading or listening, then a picture won’t have
much influence on your long term memory.
12. Myth: Learn Something Before You
Sleep.
• Experts have long believe that if you learn
something new before you sleep, the
unconscious mind will transform it into long
term memory. However, recent research has
suggested that the best time to learn new
material is in the early morning, when our
brains are at their peak to boost memory
efforts.
13. • If you’ve been a victim of any of these
memory myths, then you’re probably looking
at your brain function in a completely new
way now. But hold on to your hats – we’re
about to expose more truths about the human
memory than you thought possible!
14. Myth: Memory Gets Worse as We Age
• Surprised at this fact about the human
memory? Don’t be – it’ll all make sense in just
a moment!
15. • You see, we do lose neurons as we age, and
many people will become susceptible to
Alzheimer’s Disease – however, resilient long-
term memories are often unaffected by both
of these side effects of age. In fact, most
Alzheimer’s patients have a remarkable ability
to remember things from their childhood;
however, it’s more recent memory that they
often have trouble with.
16. Myth: The Human Memory Loves the
Number Seven.
• Have you ever heard that short term memory
can only absorb information in chunks of
seven? Well, new research has indicated that
the number seven isn’t as magical as we once
thought; in fact, our short term memory is
better suited to learn new information in
chunks of two and three.
17. Myth: Linking Information with
Bizarre Imagery Helps Your Memory.
• Back in the late 1960s, Ralph Hader and his
colleagues “proved” that visual memory was
the best memory; additionally, when subjects
connected bizarre imagery with new words,
they often recalled that new information in
memory tests later on.
18. • However, experts now know that it’s best to
use this as part of a secondary source for
memory techniques, as it risks confusing your
comprehension with irrelevant and often
pointless associations.
19. • Human memory is a fascinating subject, and
one that’s been in serious contention for
many years. New research is continually being
highlighted to suggest the memory’s power to
confuse and excite us. But no matter what
new things we discover about the human
memory, there will almost certainly be new
memory myths that need to be busted.
20. Myth: Intention Improves Retention.
• Experts have often said that if we focus on
remembering something, then it we’ll be able
to store it as a long term memory. However,
current research has shown that it’s not
intention that creates long term memory; it’s
skillful thinking. The next time you want to
remember something, try focusing on
effective thoughts rather than just the intent
to remember.
21. Myth: Confidence can Improve Your
Memory
• Many test prep authors have stated that long
term memory and memorization skills can be
greatly improved by confidence and a positive
attitude; however, confidence has nothing to
do with the brain’s ability to remember and
recall information.
22. • Someone with low confidence but who still
sticks to memorizing their test prep will do
much better on the exam than a confident
person who did not put in the necessary focus
into their study.
23. Myth: To Memorize Something, We
Should Take a 5-10 Minute Break
Every Half Hour.
• Your school teacher may have highlighted the
importance of taking short breaks during every
half hour interval while memorizing a list.
However, neurological experts now think that
these intervals are far too long for short term
memory to transfer to the long term, as it’s easy
to get distracted during these longer intervals.
24. • Instead, experts recommend taking a break of
no more than two minutes, and minimizing
any and all distractions around you. That way,
your new memories will stay right where they
belong – in your brain!
25. • Even the most well-informed person can fall
victim to these human memory myths.
However, now that we’ve exposed these
myths, you can start to appreciate your
amazing memory in new and exciting ways!
26. • Get 10 free expert tips on improving memory.
Click on the link now and get the report.
• Powerful Ways to Sharpen Your Memory