In psychology, memory is an organism’s mental ability to store, retain and recall information. Traditional studies of memory began in the fields of philosophy, including techniques of artificially enhancing the memory. 

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grZuwo_YlY0

There are several ways to classify memories, based on duration, nature and retrieval of information. A basic and generally accepted classification of memory is based on the duration of memory retention, and identifies three distinct types of memory: sensory memory, short term memory and long term memory.

Memorization is a method of learning that allows an individual to recall information verbatim. Rote learning is the method most often used. Methods of memorizing things have been the subject of much discussion over the years with some writers, such as Cosmos Rossellius using visual alphabets. The spacing effect shows that an individual is more likely to remember a list of items when rehearsal is spaced over an extended period of time. In contrast to this is cramming which is intensive memorization in a short period of time. Also relevant is the Zeigarnik effect which states that people remember uncompleted or interrupted tasks better than completed ones.

In March 2007 German researchers found they could use odors to re-activate new memories in the brains of people while they slept and the volunteers remembered better later.

The best way to improve memory seems to be to increase the supply of oxygen to the brain, which may be accomplished with aerobic exercises; walking for three hours each week suffices, as does swimming or bicycle riding. One study found that eating frequently such as five small meals a day promotes a healthy memory by preventing dips in blood glucose, the primary energy source for the brain.

Vilayanur Ramachandran tells us what brain damage can reveal about the connection between celebral tissue and the mind, using three startling delusions as examples.

Mr. Ramachandan did an extraordinary presentation where he was able to use simple explanations – supported with examples – of how the human brain works. What really got my attention was the fact that boys are sexually attracted to their own mothers. I never thought on something like this. Even though, I believe there is no such thing as a sexual attraction to my own mother, it is intrusting to hear Mr. Ramachandan`s opinion about this. Also, I learned in this presentation that people that lost parts of their body can still feel pain for something that actually is not there anymore. I never though someone could feel their arm after having it amputated. Moreover he explains another aspect of our brains that I found fascinating; the fact that we are able to “trick“ our own brain. I never though in the idea of being able of doing experiments, like the mirror box, to alleviate the pain caused by patient`s phantom arm. This presentation clarified that everything that happens in our lives must pass through our brains, no matter what. In conclusion the presentation done by Mr. Ramachandan really made me revise my beliefs regarding the human brain. It is always good to have different perspectives of a subject considered unknown.