Alan D. Baddeley Books

At the most critical times, especially during negotiations and arguments, memory can fail. Some people can quickly recall faces, but names and dates are easily forgotten.Your Memoryexplains how memory works and how to make it more reliable. This book is full of useful information and advice, and practical exercises for improving the quality and capacity of memory. Combining anecdotes and exercises with scientific developments and statistics, the book presents this complex topic in a highly accessible way. The author covers a range of issues, such as why a natural system of classifying, storing, and retrieving information that exceeds the capacity of a computer can, at times, also forget a phone number.

Memory captivates many, especially when it fails, as seen in cases of amnesia. Yet, those studying memory often lose this intrigue due to the necessity of conducting meticulously designed experiments, which can appear dull despite their scientific significance. Thankfully, our understanding of memory has advanced, allowing us to connect laboratory findings to real-world applications. This book provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of memory, tailored for students, authored by leading researchers in the field. It begins with a concise introduction to the scientific study of memory, followed by an exploration of various memory systems and their functions. Key topics include short-term and working memory, learning processes, the organization of knowledge, retrieval mechanisms, and intentional as well as motivated forgetting. The latter sections delve into practical applications of memory research, covering autobiographical memory, amnesia, and memory across the lifespan, including childhood and aging. Additionally, it addresses eyewitness testimony and prospective memory, culminating in a vital chapter on memory enhancement techniques. Each chapter is penned by one of the three authors, leveraging their unique expertise and styles, enriching the reading experience and sharing their passion for the complexities of human memory.