Does having a better memory mean more storage “space” or better retrieval methods?

Question

I’ve read that the human brain capacity has 2.5 petabytes worth of memory storage. I have an excellent memory for details; even super obscure things that happened decades ago. I only have an average IQ but my recall is very good especially when my memory is jogged or if I had read something more than 1 time. I read that people with Autism may have better memories; and it is possible I am on the spectrum due to my lack of social skills. I also have read that people with larger visual cortex’s have better memories as well. This would imply that part of the brain is bigger and has more “space”. Yet I have read that forgetting is due to retrieval problems and not the inability to store stuff. Yet their are also a handful of people who remember everything and that is not the norm by any stretch of the imagination. So what’s the verdict. Is my memory better because I have a thicker, larger brain matter with more space OR is the retrieval system in my brain wired better OR 
because I constantly “replay” memories in my mind because I have OCD. Is that helping strengthening the memory creating the illusion that I have a good memory?

busterwasmycat · Accepted Answer

I think that the "Better" memory comes from a better system of organization and retrieval than it does from more storage space.  An individual can improve their memory skills through practice, through training the brain to organize and sort and retrieve more effectively.  I don't think a human individual can augment the storage capacity by effort.

Most humans do not come even close to maxing out the storage space.  Now, a human can develop more readily accessed and fluid or dynamic storage and thus create "memory space", but that is more a matter of organization than open space to fill. New or recently accessed memory is higher in the queue, so to speak, and thus more easily recovered.

The simple truth is that the brain is more complex than any simple description can adequately describe.

M · Answer

I am intrigued by memory and it is constantly on my to do list to learn more about it. Unfortunately, it keeps getting moved down the list.

I do know from conversations with a psychologist I know that memory is quite a complex thing and it is not as simple as putting a physical file in a filing cabinet or storing a file on a computer. With a sensible filing system such things are readily available. The brain's memory does nto work like that.

I know someone with an excellent memory and wish mine was half as good. I compensate for my inadequate memory by making notes so that I can remember things that way.

Adullah M · Answer

Thanks for informing to increase my eagerness in memorizing things.

Does having a better memory mean more storage “space” or better retrieval methods?

3 Answers