by: Greg Frost
There are many photographic memory techniques claimed to be able to help you develop a photographic memory. There have been many studies showing that eidetic memory, also known as photographic memory, is questionable. It is a rare ability found in less than 10% of the population, and whilst you many not be born with this ability it is possible to acquire it. Many photographic memory techniques assist your brain by boosting your ability to remember information. Your study habits also play a part in this, as different people learn differently.
Having a photographic memory has many advantages which should not be discounted. However, it is not necessary to have a photographic memory to improve your studying abilities. It can be substituted with other methods such as mind mapping, or developing an efficient information categorization system. Alternatives also include only jotting down the main points that each chapter or book is trying to convey, and making sure you understand the concepts. Most people are unaware that whilst a photographic memory is an enviable skill, it is not without its disadvantages.
One of the key problems with having a photographic memory is that you tend to suffer from information overload, having been exposed to a lot of information that may be unimportant or irrelevant to you. Having to deal with such great amounts of information means that you are less efficient in recalling the specific information that is needed, and you may also have difficulties in forgetting things which are irrelevant to you. Having a good memory is not just about remembering, but about being able to forget.
Having said all that, if you are still interested in developing a photographic memory, you should turn to instruction on how to develop this skill. There are many books available, as well as tapes and DVDs that provide such instruction and techniques. The human mind functions in a similar way to a computer’s database, and it is important to find the right linkages in order to call up the right information. Humans are not designed to be databases for storing information. Your memory should be used to recall information that is relevant, rather than just for storing purposes! Keep in mind that a good instructional tool should teach you about learning, and not just about remembering.
