Clustering as a Memory Aid

Grouping of details and data in recalling names or numbers is very essential in the process of retention. The associative power suggested by groups or grouped items help us further organize or give direction in memorization.

Pairing words, for example, either synonymously or with their opposing
meanings, like “fair” and “square” or “man” and “woman” helps us remember data more easily because they are not only singularly meaningful but at the same time  relative to other words or data that we already know from the past.

Clustering numbers (memorizing telephone numbers by threes or by fours) or in whatever relevant grouping, is one tendency that leads to easy access from these numbers or even word groupings. Clustering is one way we can further improve our memory. Examples of these include:

1. Grouping by numbers, colors, or under the same category.

2. Grouping words and concepts by their opposing meanings or through
antonyms: (bitter vs. sweet, love vs. hate)

3. Grouping words into pictures or through subjective organization.Subjective organization depends on the way we recall or organize our materials by our own categories or devices. For example, learning a list of new words or vocabularies can be developed through subjective interpretations of these words or groupings.

The better we organize or become aware of how we build a system of information, the better it would be in performing cognitive or mental tasks such as memorization or application of our memory.

One example of this is cooking. We may follow a recipe or procedure
dictated by the recipe. But the way we cook food or give meaning to the process of cooking is different from one another. Thus, the procedure is also similar in getting information and knowledge.

It would be better if you:

1. Think of the process of how you solve your problems or in getting the
necessary information.

2. Know your capacity in the process of learning or memorization. Are
you the type of person who easily gets the information by clustering
them into meaningful categories, or are you the type of person who
learns better if you follow a direction or picture inside your head?

3. Analyze the situation, the details, or experiences. Try to remember the
relevant facts and remove unnecessary data or information.