Talk:Long-term memory

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[edit] memory

what is memory?

Answer: Memory

After reading this article I could not figure out the basic mechanism of long-term storage. For instance, the short-term learning updates synaptic weights.

Dare to be bold. --David Iberri (talk) 19:30, 24 December 2005 (UTC)


Regarding Declarative/Procedural model - may want to cite Michael T. Ullman. Also it is not clear whether just LTM is divided this way, or all of the memory.

[edit] perceptual representation system

I've read about "perceptual representation system" (PRS) in some articles on memory. It seems to be a kind of memory (and should be long-term). But I can't find anything in Wikipedia about it. Is there anyone who knows something about it and is willing to write something here? Took 21:05, 11 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] long term memory capacity

Is there a known limit to the amount of long term memory a person can have? I'm going to use a very extreme example. Can I learn 50 languages, become a Phd in 10 different fields in 5 years and keep the majority of those memories 5 years later -- assuming I use all of those memories? Or do we have say 500mb of storage, and once we fill that 500mb new memories overwrite the oldest memories? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 75.20.224.240 (talk) 13:41, 15 January 2007 (UTC).

  • If we consider the mind as a selectional system operating in N dimensional space where N is equal to the number of axis determined by the range of our sensory perseptive abilities to differentiate between stimuli, then we have a limit for memory, but for all practical purposes that limit is on the order of magnitude so near to the infinite that we need never concern ourselves with it. In addition due to neural genesis we must conceed the possibility of extending the range of N space due to extended capabilities to differentiate stimuli.
  • In short, if we can percieve a thing we can remember it.
  • Your question, however, seems less to do with the limitations of memory storage and more pursay to do with the limits of the rate of memory formation within the human mind. In simple terms there is no time to complete the tasks you have listed in the aloted time, in a normally functioning human mind. There are, however, some savants who have been capable of feats nearing what you have discribed. See Brainman, Daniel Tammet, a man who is able to become functional in a language within two weeks.--Scottmcmaster 06:47, 29 January 2007 (UTC)
Simple answer: Yes, but we don't know how to measure it. --PaulWicks 17:25, 29 January 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Improving Long Term Memory

Is there any way to improve your long-term memory? More precisely, is there a way to move an item from your short-term memory to your long-term memory? A good example would be memorizing words or characters from a foreign language: pretend you've placed an item in your short-term or working memory, and will forget the word within a set time period without routine drilling. Is there a way to 'cheat' and recal the information two months later without drilling repeatedly?

Practice! I know "rote learning" is poo-pooed by modern teachers, but it's actually pretty effective. That and use them as much as possible. Sorry, no shortcuts I know of! --PaulWicks 08:53, 5 February 2007 (UTC)

  • Repetition is one way. It is, however, time consuming and requires repetition over a series of days (at least 3days is recommended to be effective over more than a 24 hour period) and there is deminishing return in drilling over larger quantities of information. There is evidence that shows that the brain resists such drilling when the information is divorced of its practical meaning. Why spend resources on something that appears useless???
  • Hence I will propose one alternative, make the memory exercises as practical as possible. if you actively apply the knowledge in a truly utilizing manner the brain will be more receptive to the acquisition of that knowledge. Successful application can also stimulate activity in the regions of the brain responsible for emotional response, also often termed value systems. These systems have been shown to effect the acquisition of new knowledge. The diffuse value system spreading from the limbic system throughout the brain has been implicated as being extremely important as a constraining system that controls our learning.
  • Following this line of logic, I propose another tactic for memory acquisition, make the experience stimulating and arrousing. Find interest in the activity by pursuing it in interesting ways. For example with language, language acquisition should not be the end product you are pursuing, langauge is a tool used to reach other ends. Therefore, use the language you are learning to pursue your interest in another subject matter. Write about something you want to write about. Read about things you really want to read about. And speak about things you really want to speak about (attempting all in the second language of course). This practical use will make the mind more receptive to your attempts to store and recall the new vocabulary.--Scottmcmaster 03:51, 6 February 2007 (UTC)

Thanks for the discussion, but in the article itself please remember WP:NOR. --PaulWicks 08:23, 6 February 2007 (UTC)

Thanks for your coninued contributions. I appreciate your comment, I am not very well versed on wiki-rules of conduct. If I have written in error, I would like to know about my mistake. I am concerned about indirect quoting and citing... Who would know if the indirect quote is accurate or not?--Scottmcmaster 02:57, 7 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] right or left hemisphere??

i really think you should tell if the long-term memory is stored in the right or left hemisphere....that would probably help some kids out if they are doing research on memory... —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 75.23.77.4 (talk) 22:06, 21 January 2007 (UTC).

Read the "Types of Memory" section, give the answer there.138.38.151.128 (talk) 16:47, 12 February 2008 (UTC)

[edit] The effect of music on human memory.

I'm doing the IB diploma in England and my Extended Essay title is "the effect of music on human memory." Can someone help me with this???

Maybe, offline. DCDuring 20:21, 17 September 2007 (UTC)

[edit] LTM=30+ Seconds ???

I didn't think that the exact definitional boundary between LTM and STM was settled. In any event the point in the lead is not supported in the body of the article. DCDuring 20:21, 17 September 2007 (UTC)

Furthermore, the LTM mage says STM is 30 seconds, and the STM page says STM is 20 seconds. They should agree —Preceding unsigned comment added by Blueeyedmaiden (talk • contribs) 21:28, 13 April 2008 (UTC)