Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Metamemory functioning and memory strategies used among medical students

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Kinjari Kancharla
. Sagayaraj Kanagaraj
. Ram Gopal C. N.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Metamemory can be described as an intentional endeavor to guide or control
one’s memory processes. In other words, awareness and knowledge of one’s own memory process
and strategies for using the memories effectively. Planning, allocating cognitive resources, selecting
strategies, assessing understanding, and evaluating performance all rely heavily on metamemorial
information. For efficient learning, good memory abilities are necessary. This study aimed to
understand metamemory functioning and to see if there were any gender differences in metamemory
functioning among medical students.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional study was conducted by collecting data from
350 medical students using the Memory Functioning Questionnaire in 2021. The sample group was
selected from medical colleges in South India such as Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana,
and Andhra Pradesh using a purposive sampling technique. This questionnaire focused on the
seriousness of forgetting, the rate at which people recalled things over time, and frequency of use
of mnemonics and techniques that assist memory. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t‑test,
correlation, and regression were used for analysis.
RESULTS: There was a significant difference based on gender among medical students in general
memory functioning and frequency of forgetting (P < 0.001). Similarly, it was also found that gender
was a major predictor of general memory functioning and frequency of forgetting among medical
students (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Most medical students believe they have a minor memory issue. Even if the majority
of medical students forget information, the vast majority of them believe they have an exceptional
memory. Gender acts as a significant predictor of general memory performance and forgetfulness.

Keywords

Health education
health promotion
medical education
medical students
memory
metamemory
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 13, Issue 1
Winter 2023
Pages 1-8

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