Today we will have a closer look upon how the long-term memory works. There are simultaneously two memory systems activated:
- Procedural vs. Declarative memory
- Semantical vs. Episodical memory
Declarative memory describes all knowledge, facts, and information, which is stored in our brain. Whereas procedural memory is knowing about how to do a certain thing, that means knowing procedures and how to apply them. We access stored information through so-called semantical networks: topics and attributes are connected with each other through paths. Once we activate our brain information, it delivers you several other topics connected to it. See picture beyond.
Semantical memory stores general knowledge whereas episodical memory is the knowledge about ourselves that is why it is often called autobiographical memory.
Then if we have a look at the way we retrieve this information from our memory there are actually two ways:
- Explicit memory
- Implicit memory
The explicit memory is about remembering consciously through free reproduction (recall) or recognition. On the other side, implicit memory is all things we have learned so well that they are on autopilot now e.g. reading.
A deeper insight into how the semantical vs. the episodical memory works will be seen in the next articles.
But now let’s switch to the practical part of this post, where we will strengthen our long-term memory through some interesting exercises.
A lot of FREE, interactive games on how to train your memory, can be found here:
https://www.mindgames.com/Memory
or here:
https://www.braingymmer.com/en/brain-games/
If you want to play some science-based interactive games to train memory, I want to invite you to make yourself a profile on:
They have also a free version, but you can upgrade also to the premium version to make your brain fit like a sneaker!
Looking forward to reading your feedback in the comment section!