What causes us to remember or forget?

[memoriesbymichelle]

Have you ever wondered or considered why we remember certain things and not others? And it seems we don't get to choose what we remember unless we are very diligent about it. The Israelites had the same problem as the rest of the human race and that is why they had to perform so many rituals and festivals so they would not forget.

I know sometimes for me, I will be talking with my kids and they will remember something that I have completely forgotten. And I mean forgotten to the point of struggling to remember even what they are saying.

I guess that's why psychology interested me so much as a teen because I think it's truly facsinating how the mind works.

Any thoughts on why we remember certain things and why we can't choose to remember other certain things?

 

[CounselorForChrist]

In my case my brain injury is what made me forget most of my past lol. I loved psychology even though I lost some of what I learned. Since I can't remember (ironic right?) the scientific terms I'll just copy an article:

We take in information from everything we see, smell, touch, hear and taste. There isn’t a bit of information that comes through your senses that isn’t stored in our brain for at least a few seconds. Memory is stored information. Our neurotransmitters are working within our brain to filter and store everything we take in to memory. Although it may sound simple it is one of the most complex systems and processes that exists in life, and there are a number of factors that are involved in making it all work together. Is it possible to improve your memory, maybe with memory training?

Basically, the hippocampus area of the brain takes in and processes the information, encodes it, and then molds it into a form the cerebral cortex can store, retain and retrieve. Memory neurotransmitters called acetylcholine transmit the nerve impulses needed to store the information. Can we use this to our advantage to improve our memory, maybe with memory training?

In chronic memory loss and dementia, the acetylcholine transmission does not connect normally. More severe cases of memory loss, like Alzheimer’s, not only does the acetylcholine connection miss, but the brain gradually acquires toxic substances and deteriorates. Due to the fact that the disease kills cells and it is irreversible (at this time) early detection is the only hope for a cure. Researchers are currently trying to come up with a vaccine that will block the toxins accumulating in the brain and preserve the acetylcholine connections that are vital to memory.

The average human brain can store 100 TRILLION bits of information, but we often lose the majority of this information through short-term memory. What we choose to imprint on a more permanent level is affected by motivation, wishes, fears and fantasies, and the amount of interference we receive by outside forces.

Why does our memory fade so quickly? Simply because we did not have cues, hooks or ties to the information we took in. Without some personal ties or experiences our memory does not feel the need to hang on to the information. Information taken in is encoded. Without a personal connection the memory does not last longer than a few seconds. What we want to retain longer is moved, stored and retained – for a moment or through a lifetime. Long-term memory is unlimited, and this information is available for recall.

To understand our ability to retrieve information, picture your memory as a library where items are stored in sections and shelves. If you want to retrieve information you need to go to the proper section and shelf. This is the perfect description for the memory palace or method of loci that I first investigated 20 years ago when I first decided to improve my memory.

In order for all of your brain connections to work efficiently there needs to be two memory systems in place – one for short-term and one for long-term memory. Short term or working memory holds all the information immediately and then allows it to pass through a narrow channel where it is dumped, or passed along to long-term memory. The short-term section holds information for only a brief amount of time, seconds actually, because otherwise there would be a backlog of information waiting to be processed.

The average storage of items is 7 at a time. For this reason, if you want to remember something that has a long list you need to divide it into smaller sections, called “chunking.” For example: try to memorize this list of numbers – 1-9-8-4-2-0-0-1-1-7-7-6-1-9-6-9. If you were to chunk these items you could find it easier to remember 1984 2001 1776 1969. By putting them into smaller numbers they are easier to recall. Most memory experts around the world will use a method of loci to recall a number like this and could actually recall a 2,000 digit number in an hour using a method referred to as Character Action Object

To put is into basic terms – when you remember something a corresponding physical change happens in the brain. Your life is saved into codes encoded in your brain (called engrams). How and what your remember depends on the surrounding distractions while you are taking the information in, how you can concentrate on what you are processing, how you can relate it something in your life, and your willingness to keep it in your memory.

 

[exitstageright]

Have you ever wondered or considered why we remember certain things and not others? And it seems we don't get to choose what we remember unless we are very diligent about it. The Israelites had the same problem as the rest of the human race and that is why they had to perform so many rituals and festivals so they would not forget.

I know sometimes for me, I will be talking with my kids and they will remember something that I have completely forgotten. And I mean forgotten to the point of struggling to remember even what they are saying.

I guess that's why psychology interested me so much as a teen because I think it's truly facsinating how the mind works.

Any thoughts on why we remember certain things and why we can't choose to remember other certain things?

Yes,the human brain or mind,is a very beautiful and a very complex thing.
I can only speak from my own experiences. I do not think that I choose to remember things all of the time. Sometimes a thought will come to me from childhood,and I think to myself,"Why did I just remember that?

My memory seems to be associated with past events. For example,when I was about 5 years old,my youngest brother,after I opened the refrigerator door,took his hand and scraped the chocolate frosting off of the cake that our family was to have for our after church dinner's desert. My father asked,"Who went into the refrigerator?" I said that I opened the door.But,before I could tell my father that I did not scrape the frosting off of the cake,my father got his belt and whipped me with it. Ever since,if someone punishes me for something I did not do,or falsley accuses me of something,I get very,very angry,because of that memory.

Now,by growing up in a christain home,when it comes to memory,how can one forget the names of the three Hebrews who were thrown into the fiery furnance with Daniel? Their names were Shadrach,Meshach,and Abednego.

Things that I can associate with music helps me to remember things.
For example,everytime I hear that song by the Spinners,"It's A Shame"(the way you mess around with your men.It's a shame by the way that you hurt me),I always think of a girl named Peggy,who used to emotinally abuse my feelings,as that song was very popular in 1971.

When I went to Lab School,in the U.S. Navy in 1975,in serology,we learned that the name of the organism that causes syphillus is Treponema pallidum.
Well....pallidum sounds a lot like Paladin,the character Richard Boone played in "Have Gun,Will Travel". At the end of the theme song,the singer would sing:

Paladin, Paladin
Where do you roam?
Paladin, Paladin,
Far, far from home.

Well,I guess that sometimes that I am somewhat of a 21st Century version of Paladin. In my case,the title would be,"Have Cash,Will Travel"

 

[blackribbon]

I find the brain a fascinating organ...but I think that our memory and thinking power is bigger than just the organ. I mean, people who have had "near death" experiences and remember leaving their bodies still have memories and a thought process that both leaves and comes back with them.

 

[blackribbon]

Okay, forgive me for interrupting a serious topic...we were given this in anatomy and physiology when we were studying the brain and it makes me laugh....

 

[CounselorForChrist]

I love everything about the human body from the amazing to the disgusting. Its Gods finest design with all its complexities. I've seen videos of all sorts (some I wish I had never seen). They boggle my mind everytime.

Okay, forgive me for interrupting a serious topic...we were given this in anatomy and physiology when we were studying the brain and it makes me laugh....

Seems about right LOL. Sadly though my beer and sports lobes don't exist. My getting lost lobe went away since my mom taught me topography, geography and overall how to use a map. ^.^

I'm thinking perhaps they shrunk and my sex lobe increased. Or in all seriousness I think the lobes that disappeared were replaced with some of those female lobes. I love chocolate, I have crazy cravings. I actually don't hate shopping. I do enjoy musicals, well more so opera. Fantasy is in my brain. Along with romance like weddings, watching romance movies, taking care of a kid.

And my bad hair days...ugh. I've had women come up to me and say "WOW. I love your hair, I'm so jealous!" At first I didn't understand until one of them explained I apparently have hair most women want, its thick, long, stays straight, shines in the sunlight and stuff like that. Grant it now that I am older it aggravates me to no end how it sometimes curls or refuses to straighten after I sleep. I comb it a thousand times for a dang curl to go away.

Of course I never really had male friends because I never cared for that macho thing of sports, beer and showing how awesome you are. I had a about 3 best friends throgh life that were men. I had alot more female friends though, who bordered on being tomboys. And usually I got along with them better then the I did their brothers. I also think it helps my parents didn't raise me that men should act like this and women should act like that.

You can imagine the names I got called.

I mean, people who have had "near death" experiences and remember leaving their bodies still have memories and a thought process that both leaves and comes back with them.

I've been clinically dead twice. The first I don't remember because I was to young. But the second time it was like people try to explain. Its like you hover over yourself. You see yourself sitting their. But, you don't feel sad. Its like a super content happy feeling. And as it went on (felt like forever) there was a very bright light and till this day I KNOW I seen Jesus. He was standing there in a white robe with sandals. His arms outstretched like he wanted to hug me. But I after that moment I woke up.

Most people (more so non-believers) say I am crazy or try to explain it through science. But I know what I seen and would not trade it for anything in the world.

 

[redblue22]

I think it is interesting that so many see the mind and brain as the same thing.

 

[Jupiter Drops]

Trauma.


Lots and lots of trauma.

 

[redblue22]

Trauma.


Lots and lots of trauma.

isn't it horrible that we are forced to remember the things that made the deepest scars? I feel twisted and mangled, barely recognizably human.

 

[exitstageright]

Okay, forgive me for interrupting a serious topic...we were given this in anatomy and physiology when we were studying the brain and it makes me laugh....

But...but...what if a woman is allergic to chocolate? What if a man does not drink beer? What would fill that void?

 

[Doctor Strangelove]

But...but...what if a woman is allergic to chocolate? What if a man does not drink beer? What would fill that void?

Could the chocolate be replaced with ice cream? As for the beer, I can drink it okay but I never enjoyed it too much (I guess that is a good thing). I would say give me a cabernet over a beer any time (moderate use of red wine could have some health benefits).

 

[redblue22]

yes, the moderate use. lol.

 

[MennoII]

Have you ever wondered or considered why we remember certain things and not others? And it seems we don't get to choose what we remember unless we are very diligent about it. The Israelites had the same problem as the rest of the human race and that is why they had to perform so many rituals and festivals so they would not forget.

I know sometimes for me, I will be talking with my kids and they will remember something that I have completely forgotten. And I mean forgotten to the point of struggling to remember even what they are saying.

I guess that's why psychology interested me so much as a teen because I think it's truly facsinating how the mind works.

Any thoughts on why we remember certain things and why we can't choose to remember other certain things?

I don't know I have friends and family tell me, I'm a walking Bible; but honestly other than that, I would forget my head if it wasn't attached to me.

I always forget food on the counter that I mean to take to work with me for lunch. One night before going to work it was bright in the house, so I put sunglasses on, forgot about then as I was heading to work and it took me about 15 second to figure why it was pitch black outside !. I thought I went blind for that brief time. So hopefully science comes up with a cure for absent mindedness soon.

 

[Doctor Strangelove]

I read an article about what makes us remember things and it's really simple. It's... it's um... um... something... um...

 

[dayhiker]

That is so true ..... doc .. *shaking head* lol

 

[redblue22]

I write a lot of little notecards.

the best book I ever read on memory was Your Memory by Higbee.

 

[memoriesbymichelle]

But...but...what if a woman is allergic to chocolate? What if a man does not drink beer? What would fill that void?

well obviously in your case the sex lobe just got that much bigger because you don't drink beer

 

[memoriesbymichelle]

I read an article about what makes us remember things and it's really simple. It's... it's um... um... something... um...

hahahahahahahahahahaha! Now.....what were we talking about again? Oh yeah....

personally I don't think it has much to do with the brain. I think it's more our minds. As has been pointed out, people that have "died" clinically have had out of body experiences. Sure some Dr.s and Scientists would like to say we imagined this experience or we dreamt it, but we are spiritual beings and this "house" is our temporary "home" as is Earth so.....
also in the bible it says in heaven we will be known as we are known and we all know we get new bodies (thank the Lord for that!) so it would have to be in our minds or conscience.

I just find it odd and interesting that we can choose to remember some things by memorizing or contemplating and then other things like trauma...sometimes they are burnt into our memories, and other times they are completely erased and most trauma we would choose to forget if we could.
But then there are these fragments that are stored, and can only be conjured up if someone else says "remember when?" and we have to dig around and find it, and other times we end up saying, "I just don't remember that at all". Weird

 

[blackribbon]

What makes me remember now is the fear of not knowing something vital in front of a nursing instructor...I say "I don't know" way to often as it is. (Luckily my current one is pretty forgiving and smiles afterwards and laughs..."could it be that you are only 12 weeks into the nursing program"....and then follows up, "I'm sure you will know tomorrow".)

 

[memoriesbymichelle]

What makes me remember now is the fear of not knowing something vital in front of a nursing instructor...I say "I don't know" way to often as it is. (Luckily my current one is pretty forgiving and smiles afterwards and laughs..."could it be that you are only 12 weeks into the nursing program"....and then follows up, "I'm sure you will know tomorrow".)

OK but that is a bit different....you are l e a r n i n g.....on purpose. What about say for example, a childhood memory or a memory your child has that you completely don't remember or really have to search to remember it? My question would be WHY? Everything is in there...right? IMO it is...it's just whether we can dredge it up or keep it in our direct storage area for easy access. Like riding a bike...the saying that "it's just like riding a bike, once you learn you never forget"....