CHAPTER FIVE Making Sense of the Gobbledygook Number Things and How to Make Them Stick Flashcards
1
Q
Who stated that ‘Numbers have life; they’re not just symbols on paper’?
A
SHAKUNTALA DEVI
This quote emphasizes the significance of numbers in our lives.
2
Q
What is the world record for memorizing consecutive digits of pi?
A
70,030 digits by Suresh Kumar Sharma
Akira Haraguchi unofficially reached one hundred thousand digits.
3
Q
What memory technique is effective for counting laps at the gym?
A
Ventriloquist Technique
This technique involves saying numbers in different voices or intonations.
4
Q
Fill in the blank: The official world record for memorizing random digits in competition is ______.
A
568 digits by Alex Mullen
5
Q
What mnemonic system is used for memorizing short sequences like PINs?
A
Number-Rhyme System
Each digit is associated with a word that rhymes with the digit.
6
Q
What are the ten digits in our number system?
A
- 0
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
7
Q
True or False: Numbers become more abstract and indistinct as they grow larger.
A
True
8
Q
What is the alternative mnemonic system that uses the shape of the number?
A
Number-Shape System
This system allows more flexibility in image choices.
9
Q
How can one remember a PIN code using storytelling?
A
By creating a memorable story linking images associated with each digit.
10
Q
What technique can help to remember a single number temporarily?
A
Repeating the number aloud in different voices or languages.
11
Q
What is the recommended approach when numbers are similar in a sequence?
A
Use different images for repeated digits to enhance memorability.
12
Q
Fill in the blank: To remember an address, you can encode the numbers using the ______ system.
A
Number-Shape System
13
Q
What is a common problem when trying to remember numbers in social situations?
A
Forgetting the number after it has been shouted back and forth.
14
Q
How many digits does the Number-Rhyme System typically handle?
A
Four to six digits
15
Q
What is the significance of the story created for a PIN code?
A
It helps link the memorable story to the PIN code for recall.
16
Q
What mental image can help in visualizing the digit ‘1’ in the Number-Shape System?
A
A stick
17
Q
What should you do if a number reminds you of something immediately?
A
Use that image for easier memorization.
18
Q
True or False: A person’s ability to memorize numbers is solely based on their mathematical skills.
A
False
19
Q
What is the key to making numbers memorable according to the text?
A
Making them more meaningful through storytelling.
20
Q
What technique improves the ability to remember larger numbers?
A
Using mnemonic systems that grow in sophistication.
21
Q
What is the first step in memorizing numbers effectively?
A
View numbers as collections of digits.
22
Q
What is a technique to make a story memorable when remembering digits?
A
Create a narrative involving vivid images and actions
This technique helps to link digits to memorable events or characters.
23
Q
What does SW stand for in the context of memorization?
A
Southwest
An example of how to assign meaning to letters for better recall.
24
Q
What is the significance of the number 961574 in memorization?
A
It can be remembered as a single image rather than multiple separate digits
This illustrates the advantage of reducing information load.
25
How does the Person-Action-Object (PAO) System aid in memorizing numbers?
It creates a unique visual representation for each digit combination
## Footnote
This system allows for more complex and memorable associations.
26
What is chunking in the context of memorizing phone numbers?
Grouping multiple digits together to represent one item
## Footnote
Chunking helps to simplify long sequences of numbers.
27
What was the outcome of the Carnegie Mellon University study on digit span?
Participants improved from remembering seven digits to eighty-two digits
## Footnote
This showcases the potential for memory improvement through practice.
28
What does the Major System convert numbers into?
Consonant sounds
## Footnote
This phonetic approach allows for creating memorable words from numbers.
29
Which consonant sound corresponds to the digit 3 in the Major System?
m
## Footnote
This is based on the visual similarity of the number and letter.
30
What type of images can be assigned to the number 86 using the Major System?
FOG, FISH, or FUSCHIA
## Footnote
These words are formed by combining the consonant sounds associated with the digits.
31
How can the number 35 be transformed into a word using the Major System?
MAIL, MALE, MOLE, EMAIL, MILE, MULE
## Footnote
Various words can be formed by inserting vowels around the consonants.
32
What is the advantage of using a memory system for numbers?
It allows for easier recall and understanding of large sequences of digits
## Footnote
A structured approach reduces cognitive load and aids memory retention.
33
Fill in the blank: The average amount of information we can hold in our working memory is about seven items, plus or minus ______.
two
## Footnote
This refers to the psychological principle known as Miller's Law.
34
True or False: The hardest part of the Major System is remembering which consonants represent which numbers.
True
## Footnote
Once this is learned, the application of the system becomes easier.
35
What does the number 27 break down to using the Major System?
(N) + (K or C or G or CK or Q)
## Footnote
Examples include NOKIA, NAG, NOG, and KNOCK.
36
What is the breakdown for the number 323?
(M) + (N) + (M)
## Footnote
This shows how to find words with consonants.
37
What are some word options for the number 961574 when broken into segments?
First half:
* PATCHED
* BATCHED
* PITCHED
* BITCHED
* BOTCHED
* BUDGET
Second half:
* LACKER
* LICKER
* LIQUOR
* LOCKER
* LUGGER
## Footnote
The options highlight the difficulty of visualizing memorable words from numbers.
38
What is the recommended method to memorize longer numbers like phone numbers?
Chunking
## Footnote
This involves breaking numbers into smaller segments for easier memorization.
39
What is the Person-Action-Object (PAO) system?
A system that uses a fixed structure of Person, Action, and Object to remember numbers
## Footnote
This method helps in recalling the order of images associated with numbers.
40
What is a key advantage of using the PAO system?
Chunking numbers into fewer images
## Footnote
This allows for more digits to be remembered with a single image.
41
What are the elements of the PAO system?
Person, Action, Object
## Footnote
This structure helps create a cohesive image for better recall.
42
How is the PAO phonetic system organized?
By the order of the alphabet with exceptions for certain digits
## Footnote
For example: 0 = O, 1 = A, 2 = B, etc.
43
What is the basic structure for creating PAO images?
Each image consists of a two-digit person, two-digit action, and two-digit object
## Footnote
This results in a total of six digits for each PAO image.
44
What is the first step in creating a PAO list?
Write down all the numbers from 00 to 99
## Footnote
This forms the basis for associating people, actions, and objects.
45
What is chunking in the context of memorization?
Consolidating multiple images into fewer images
## Footnote
This technique helps reduce the number of images needed for memorization.
46
What makes the PAO system more effective than the Major System?
Fixed structure and familiar images
## Footnote
This helps increase memorization speed and accuracy.
47
Fill in the blank: The PAO system organizes numbers by their _______.
Order in the alphabet
48
True or False: The Major System requires a new image for every number sequence.
True
49
What is a common mistake made in memory competitions?
Flipping the order of words in an image
## Footnote
This can lead to incorrect recall of number sequences.
50
What is a recommended practice for improving the Major System?
Create a fixed grouping of digits and learn the words for those combinations
## Footnote
This practice helps simplify the memorization process.
51
What are some examples of words derived from the number 96 using the PAO system?
Jimmy PAGE
## Footnote
This illustrates how to translate numbers into memorable images.
52
What should you do if you encounter an unfamiliar area code?
Ask about it to create a word for the area code
## Footnote
This helps in chunking the phone number for easier memorization.
53
What is the significance of the number 12 for the author?
It is the author's favorite number.
54
Which sports figures are associated with the numbers 24, 23, and 34?
* 24: Kobe Bryant
* 23: Michael Jordan
* 34: Shaquille O’Neal
55
What does the number 64 represent for Beatles fans?
The song 'When I’m Sixty-Four' by Paul McCartney.
56
What should you do if you pause on a number for more than half a second and cannot recall anything?
Skip it and come back to it later.
57
What does 'PAO' stand for in the memory system?
Person, Action, Object.
58
How should you think of the 'P' in 'PAO'?
In the loosest possible sense.
59
What example is given for the initials O.S.?
Steve Jobs, as in Mac OS X.
60
What unique representation is assigned to George Clooney in the PAO system?
Batman.
61
What action and object are associated with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the PAO system?
* Action: Lifting weights
* Object: Barbell
62
What does the number 15 represent in the PAO system?
Albert Einstein writing on a chalkboard.
63
What is important to ensure when assigning actions and objects in the PAO system?
All actions and objects must be unique.
64
What is the process to use the PAO system with a sequence of numbers?
Break it into chunks of six, then into pairs for person, action, and object.
65
True or False: The PAO system can be used for all number-memorizing needs.
True.
66
What is suggested for memorizing personal numerical data?
Create a journey dedicated to all personal numerical data.
67
How can you visualize a passport number in the PAO system?
By translating it into images associated with each chunk of numbers.
68
What does the example of a 16-digit credit card number illustrate?
Breaking it into smaller chunks and creating memorable images.
69
What is the general approach to remember important dates using the PAO system?
Create an image for the date and link it to a person or event.
70
Fill in the blank: The month can be seen as a _______ or a number.
[word]
71
What association might July evoke when remembering dates?
A big bright yellow sun.
72
What is the author's opinion on using number systems for memorization?
They find it fun and lead to memorable images.
73
What is the first step in associating a month with a memorable image?
Think of an association with each month, like a holiday or color.
74
How can you visualize the day of the month in a memorable way?
Create an image related to the number representing the day.
75
What is a creative way to remember an event like a cruise vacation on August 18?
Link the image of a kid in back-to-school gear on a cruise ship.
76
What number represents October in the Major System?
10 (T or D) + (Z or S).
77
What word can be formed from the day 08 in the Major System?
SOFA (Z or S + F or V).
78
In the PAO system, what do the initials represent?
Person, Action, Object.
79
How do you visualize your mom's birthday on July 24 using the PAO system?
Picture her sipping a martini filled with basketballs.
80
What is an example of a memorable image for a networking event on November 1?
Picture a boss running an event while playing tennis with an ax.
81
How can you incorporate time into your memorization for an event?
Add a detail to the image that represents the time.
82
What is the first guideline for creating strong passwords?
Go long—longer passwords take longer to crack.
83
What does it mean to randomize your password?
Avoid identifiable sequences like words or dates.
84
Why is it important to have unique passwords for different sites?
To protect sensitive personal information from being compromised.
85
What is the Schneier scheme for creating passwords?
Turn a popular phrase into a jumbled semi-acronym.
86
What is a key strategy for remembering complex passwords?
Convert them into mental pictures and create anchor points.
87
What is the suggested format for a PAO password?
One to three capital letters, a lowercase letter, followed by a symbol or number.
88
What should you consider when selecting people for your PAO password?
Choose memorable and distinct people.
89
What is the importance of consistency in using the PAO system?
It prevents confusion and helps in recalling passwords accurately.
90
Fill in the blank: A good password is not just memorable but also _______ and hard to crack.
unique
91
True or False: The best passwords are often simple and easy to remember.
False
92
What is the importance of having a LINK for your password?
To create a memorable password that is unique and associated with the specific website it unlocks.
## Footnote
A LINK helps in recalling passwords, especially when long periods pass without use.
93
What are the three methods to create a LINK for passwords?
* The Direct-Association Memory Journey
* The Indirect-Association Memory Journey
* The Logo Journey
94
What is a Direct-Association Memory Journey?
A visualization technique where you use a physical location associated with the site, like the entrance of a bank for a bank password.
95
What is an Indirect-Association Memory Journey?
A method that connects a memorable indirect association to the site, like linking Google to California to a beach.
96
What is a Logo Journey?
A technique where you visualize actions occurring around or inside the website's logo to create a memorable password.
97
Why is it important to choose simple verbs for actions in a password?
To avoid confusion and ensure clarity in the actions being remembered.
98
What should be considered when choosing objects for passwords?
Objects should correspond to the shapes of symbols on the keyboard to maintain a consistent system.
99
What is the recommended number of PAO sequences for a secure password?
Three PAO sequences to enhance security and complexity.
100
Why is it beneficial to increase a two-digit system to a three-digit system when memorizing numbers?
It allows for chunking more digits together, reducing the total number of mental images needed.
101
How did the author manage to memorize ten thousand digits of pi?
By breaking it into groups of one thousand and memorizing one group a day, supplemented by daily review.
102
What is the challenge when memorizing large numbers?
Finding enough locations on your journey and ensuring adequate time for review.
103
What is the difference between a PAO system and a Major System?
PAO uses a Person-Action-Object framework, while Major System relies on phonetic codes to associate numbers with words.
104
Fill in the blank: A _______ memory journey is when you visualize a physical location associated with a site.
Direct-Association
105
True or False: A Logo Journey is less effective than a Direct-Association Memory Journey.
False
106
What is the maximum number of images one might use per location when memorizing numbers?
Up to three images (nine digits, 3-3-3) per location.
107
What practice did the author recommend to keep passwords fresh in mind?
Trying to recall passwords even when not needed, such as visiting frequently used sites.
108
What does the acronym PAO stand for?
Person-Action-Object
109
What should you avoid when creating a system for objects in password memorization?
Choosing similar characters that could lead to confusion.
110
What is the significance of using three people, three actions, and three objects in password creation?
It enhances the complexity and security of the password against cracking attempts.
111
What is the PAO method in memory techniques?
PAO stands for Person-Action-Object, a method used for memorizing information.
112
What is the Major System in memory techniques?
The Major System is a mnemonic device that converts numbers into consonant sounds, allowing for the creation of words or images.
113
True or False: The PAO and Major Systems have been proven similarly effective in elite memory competitions.
True
114
What is a fun application of memory techniques mentioned?
Memorizing credit card numbers to win bets or free meals.
115
Fill in the blank: The author demonstrates how to memorize pi up to _______ digits.
thirty-two
116
What is the first pair of digits in the example for memorizing pi?
14-15
117
What is the second pair of digits in the example for memorizing pi?
92-65
118
What technique is suggested for creating a memory journey?
Establishing anchor points in the environment.
119
List the images associated with the first two pairs of digits (14-15 and 92-65).
* Tire-Doll
* Pen-Jello
120
What is the significance of Shakuntala Devi in the context of memory?
She is a renowned mental calculator known for her impressive feats of memory.
121
What does George A. Miller's paper discuss?
It discusses the limits of our capacity for processing information.
122
According to the text, which method works better for short-term number retention?
The Linking Method
123
Fill in the blank: The earliest version of the Major System was developed by _______.
Pierre Hérigone
124
What alternative method is suggested to remember digits of pi without using the Major System?
Using a sentence where the number of letters in each word corresponds to the digits.
125
What is the example sentence provided to memorize the first fifteen digits of pi?
"How I need a drink, alcoholic of course, after the heavy lectures involving quantum mechanics."
126
What is the total number of images needed to memorize 32 digits using chunking?
Eight
