Human Memory and the New Science of Learning - New Science of Learning - page 77

Chapter 5
Human Memory and the New Science
of Learning

Paul Eggen and Suzanne Schellenberg

University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA

Introduction

People throughout history have been fascinated by memory. We lament our for-
getfulness, and comments such as “Oh yes, I remember” or “It's on the tip of my
tongue, but I just can't quite remember” are common. We rack our brains to remem-
ber isolated facts, such as William Faulkner's most famous novel (perhaps The
Sound and the Fury ), the general in charge of the Vietnam War (Westmoreland),
or the capital of Columbia (Bogota). We also solve problems and identify rela-
tionships. All of these factors are related to human memory, the topic of this
chapter.
To begin, please do the following simple experiments. Study the following list of
words for 20 s, then cover them up and write down as many as you can remember
in any order that you choose. Here they are.

Broom Else Evening

Sooner Salary Destroy

Jug Jaw Group

Planet Friend Smirk

Work Salmon Goose

Plug Some Large

President Fastener

Now, try it once more. The following is a second list, also of 20 words. Again,
look at the list for 20 s and then write down as many as you can recall in any order
you choose.