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Numbers Mnemonist
Another interesting mnemonist studied in 1980 by K. Anders Ericsson
was able to remember very long strings of numbers. He was able to
accomplish this by grouping them into groups of three or four and
recalling them as running times. This mnemonic was an experienced
long-distance runner familiar with running times. The meaningless
numbers were translated into meaningful running times that enabled
him to remember them.
After many practice sessions over a period of two years with the
mnemonist, was able to improve his ability ten times his original and
was able to recall up to 80 digits at any point in time
These examples of mnemonists show us that people with only average
intelligence can perform like geniuses. Much work has been done in
the area of mnemonic ability and the studies conclude that a person
with a typical memory can be converted into one with an
extraordinary memory with some practice.
For mnemonists, their skill comes from the ability to convert
meaningless information (such as numbers) into meaningful
information. Not only is meaningful information easier to recall, it is also
stored in long-term memory with less effort.
Mnemonists and their use of mnemonics give us some insight into
extraordinary memory abilities. These same memory abilities are
available for students to use and are described in Chapter 6 – Study
tools.
Understanding why we forget and more importantly, how we
remember, is one of the first things a student should learn before they
can learn to study effectively.
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