Using Memory Aid to Build Memory Independence

Abstract

Memory aids provide useful assistance for forgetful people. However, the inherent concern is that the convenience of memory aids can also create detrimental user dependency; thereby creating forgetful people. As a case study, I investigate how an example cooking memory aid that summarizes which ingredients have been added how many times could avoid user dependency that would otherwise atrophy the cook’s ability of short-term memory recall. How does the cook rely on the memory aid to complete the cooking task? Does the cook use the memory aid more frequently over time? From a group of three young adult participants across five cooking sessions, I report changes in their use and nonuse of the memory aid over two weeks. The findings suggest that the young adults used the memory aid to confirm their own memory recall, thereby bolstering their self-confidence. Consequently, they came to rely on the memory aid less because they learned to trust their own memory recall more, thereby building memory independence from using the memory aid.