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How Memory Works – and How to Make it Work for You.

Course Outline

This science-based guide is designed for mental health practitioners working with older adults. Psychologist Robert Madigan provides practical, proven methods innovative mnemonic devices and visualization techniques for improving the ability to retain and use information.

About Authors

Robert Madigan, PhD, is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Alaska Anchorage, where he was an award-winning instructor. Dr Madigan has taught memory classes in college and community settings for more than thirty years. He lives in Anchorage with his wife.

Learning Objectives

Chapter 1 Four Ways of Remembering

  1. Compare episodic memory and semantic memory.
  2. Describe a semantic memory.
  3. Compare implicit and explicit memory.
  4. Discuss examples of a mnemonic based on visual association versus substitute words.

Chapter 2 Working Memory: It’s Short-Term Memory and More

  1. Describe working memory.
  2. Compare executive processes and the memory storage component.
  3. Discuss short- term memory problems in the older adult.
  4. Describe working memory.
  5. Define “chunking.”

Chapter 3 Attention: “The Secret of Good Memory”

  1. Describe the top-down attention.
  2. Describe the bottom-up system.
  3. Describe the default mode network.
  4. Discuss multitasking.
  5. Describe three ways to stay focused.

Chapter 4 How Dragons Make Strong Memories

  1. Compare deep and shallow processing.
  2. Discuss association strategies to enhance memory.
  3. Describe the “Rule of Five.”

Chapter 5 How We Recall Memories

  1. Describe the information retrieved from episodic memory.
  2. Describe dramatic memory distortions and false memories.

Chapter 6 Paths to Better Memory

  1. Compare natural and artificial memory.
  2. Discuss the Torkel Klingberg study..
  3. Compare physical exercise with mental decline.
  4. Describe the memory arts.

Chapter 7 Remembering Names

  1. State the three requirements to improve your memory for names.
  2. List the four steps of the name-learning process.
  3. Compare techniques for remembering first and last names using the imagery method.

Chapter 8 Remembering to Remember

  1. Define perspective memory.
  2. Compare active monitoring and spontaneous retrieval.
  3. Discuss the acronym ICE for improving prospective memory.

Chapter 9 Remembering Facts

  1. Discuss the three “Rs” to strengthen memory.
  2. List memory practice recommendations.
  3. Describe the “illusion of competence” as defined by Bjork.
  4. Describe the SCRR method.
  5. Discuss permastore status as described by Bahrick.

Chapter 10 Remembering Numbers

  1. Describe the three easy steps to remember numbers.
  2. Describe the major system.

Chapter 11 Remembering Skills

  1. Describe the Starbuck’s acronym and skill memory.
  2. Discuss the three features of “deliberate practice” according to Ericsson.
  3. Describe the leaky bucket problem.