11. It’s Easier to Recognize Information than Recall It

Remember the memory test earlier in this chapter? Without going back and looking at the list, take a pen and paper and write down as many of the words as you can. We’ll use this memory test to talk about recognition and recall.

Recognition is Easier than Recall

In the memory test you just took, you had to memorize a list of words and later write them down. This is called a recall task. If instead I had shown you a list of words or even walked you into an office and asked you which items were on the list, I would have been giving you a recognition task. Recognition is easier than recall. Recognition makes use of context. And context can help you remember.

Inclusion Errors

All the words you memorized were things related to an office. Look at what you wrote down just now, and compare your list with the original list earlier in the chapter. You probably wrote down some words that weren’t even in the original list but that go with the “office” schema. For example, you might have written down “desk” or “pencil” or “boss.” Consciously or unconsciously, you were aware that the list included things associated with an office. The schema probably helped you remember items on the list, but it might also have caused you to make errors of inclusion.

Minimize What People Have to Remember

Your presentation shouldn’t be a memory test for your audience. Here are some ways to make sure that you aren’t requiring people to remember too much information:

• Provide a handout after the session or via email with a summary of pertinent information and any references, books, or research that you refer to in the presentation. Let people know that you will be providing this information so they don’t feel stressed about trying to remember it all or take it all down in notes.

• If you have exercises or activities that require your audience to refer to information you presented, don’t make them remember either the instructions for doing the activity or any information they need to complete the task. Instead, provide a handout with the instructions and required information. Or project a slide during the activity that has the important information and instructions.

• People will remember much less than you think. If some of the information is important for them to remember, plan to repeat it several times during your presentation.