Activity 5.2

            Memorization requires making useful connections between the new knowledge that is being introduced and knowledge that already exist to us, and the ability to retrieve specific information requires the use of appropriate cues. James (1962) stated “our memory contains all sorts of items which we do not now recall, but which we may recall provided a sufficient cue be offered” (p. 60). This reminded me of how music serves as a cue for many of my memories. In 2008, my aunt passed away. A slide show was presented during the funeral, and the song Order My Steps played in the background. Although I had listened to this song several times before, when I hear the song now, it reminds me of her funeral. This song will always be associated with the events and feelings I experienced on that particular day.

            Moreover, this cue led to further connections that allowed me to remember details about this particular day. For instance, the funeral took place a day before my mother’s birthday and four days before Christmas. Regardless of whether a memory is good, bad, happy, or sad, “the ‘secret of a good memory’ is thus the secret of forming diverse and multiple associations with every fact we care to retain” (James, 1962, p. 61). Thus, I understand the importance of cues in the process of retrieving information and the influence they have on the formation of multiple associations.

            While reading this chapter, I thought about an article by Skinner (1983) entitled, “Intellectual Self-Management in Old Age.” In this article, Skinner (1983) expressed “it is characteristic of old people not to think clearly, coherently, logically, or in particular, creatively,” and “forgetting is a classical problem” (p. 240). Therefore, he suggested the use of certain techniques that could serve as a solution to the problem of forgetting. James (1962) asserted “that the popular idea that ‘the Memory’ in the sense of a general elementary faculty, can be improved by training, is a great mistake” (p. 64). Bearing this in mind, I wonder how James would view Skinner’s idea of intellectual self-management. Would James view Skinner’s techniques for solving problems pertaining to forgetfulness as an effort for improving memory by training?

Skinner, B. F. (1983). Intellectual self-management in old age. American Psychologist, 38, 239-

            244. doi: 10.1037/0003-066X.38.3.239