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Long Term Memory Analysis

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In one of my classes, Foundations of Biology, we are required to store a galore of information. The information is limited to the topic of genetics and the inner workings of a cell during replication of DNA to RNA and then eventually to a protein. Although it is mostly the same topic, it includes a lot of little details that will be included on the exam on November 2nd. It is absolutely crucial that we know all that information because the exams in Foundation for Biology are both multiple choice and essay format. They require the ability to recall and recognize information. We have about a week to put all the information in our long term memories. This information should stay in our long term memories until finals week and beyond for graduate …show more content…

Recognition is the ability to go through given facts and figure out which ones are right based on process of elimination and recognizing familiar facts. It is mostly seen in multiple choice exams. For example, in my case, on the Biology Exam, they can ask:
What is the shape of DNA?
A.) Double Helix
B.) Single Stranded
C.) Circular
From the choices I am given, I can safely eliminate choice c. I am then left with choice A and choice B. From studying the material, it is easy to recognize that choice B is the wrong answer because DNA is never single stranded and always likes to pair up. Which leaves the correct answer choice A. Through the process of elimination and recognition, I was able to get to the correct answer.
In contrast, recall is the ability to formulate answers on your own given questions without any choices. Recall is generally seen in essay and short answer exams. This type of retrieval is harder than recognition retrieval. It requires an individual to search their memory for an answer then figure out if it correctly answers what is being asked. An example question for the Biology exam could state:
Describe the process of transferring genes from DNA to polypeptides.
The central Dogma which states o DNA is transcribed to …show more content…

The Retrieval practice effect will be utilized to integrate both types of retrieval. The Retrieval practice effect is the process of testing yourself on information accurately until you remember it. It states that taking practice tests on a topic can eventually lead to long term retention of the material rather than restudying the material multiple times. The more an individual is able to retrieve the information, the easier it is for them to retrieve that information again. I would use the retrieval practice effect by continuously taking practice exams on the topics that we will be tested on. If I were to get an answer incorrect on the practice exam, it would force me to restudy that material before testing myself on it again prior to the

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