Hidden Brain Remember More, Forget Less
Apr 17, 2023
Daniel Willingham, a cognitive scientist, dives deep into the fascinating world of memory. He discusses how memory functions and the common reasons it fails us, including the illusion of knowledge. Willingham explores effective strategies for retaining information, emphasizing the power of storytelling and engagement. He highlights the difference between passive and active learning, and provides practical techniques to enhance memory recall. With relatable anecdotes, he reveals how understanding memory can improve our everyday lives.
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Rick Perry's Oops
- Rick Perry, a leading Republican presidential candidate in 2011, forgot the name of a government agency he'd vowed to eliminate during a televised debate.
- This public memory lapse significantly damaged his campaign.
Failing Anthropology
- Daniel Willingham failed a college anthropology test despite feeling confident in his knowledge.
- He realized his perceived understanding didn't translate into actual recall.
Forgotten Meeting
- Daniel Willingham forgot an important lab meeting held by his advisor, despite it occurring near his office.
- This demonstrates a failure of prospective memory, or remembering to do something in the future.