Forgetfulness and Displacement

[Synthesis]

(If something similar to this exists, I couldn't find it via the search option...move/delete as necessary)

I've found that I frequently walk into a given room of my house and promptly forget why I went there to begin with, or do something that was apart from the original plan (not a bad thing, necessarily). Or, I will get a drink/snack/item for use, put it somewhere in my room and then forget it's there, causing me to go get the same drink/snack/item again --> causing a bit of a recursive problem.

Anyone else know why this issue exists? What can be done to remedy it, if so?
I've tabbed it to me not paying attention to my surroundings, but other ideas are most certainly welcome (obviously).

 

[KazeCraven]

Context dependent memory combined with not focusing on the task at hand.

See, whenever you enter into another environment, you activate a given set of neurons, which will pull up a set of memories into your consciousness. This has the effect of displacing (or at least weakening) whatever you placed into working memory. In fact, if you focus on a given thing within a context, your memory will revert back to what it had in that context (to an extent; not completely of course).

No, I did not just make this up: I conduct research in cognitive psychology, so I attend lots of lectures about memory. As far as the remedy goes, I am less clear on these matters, but I've heard that if you link ideas by images you'll tend to be able to recall things better. In this case, you could perhaps visualize opening the fridge and a wave of apples coming out (the more ridiculous, the better). Then, when you reach the fridge, you'll think, "Oh, apples!" and turn around to the fruit bowl (assuming it's nearby, of course).

Here's a link about this memory technique.

The only problem is that, well, you can only do these things so many times before you've got to start ignoring them (I would imagine) because you've got so many forced semantic associations. I just write things on my hand if they're important, and then let them wash away.

 

[walfin]

Hm the link is about very different stuff, like...stuff that you consciously make yourself remember.

Yes I have this problem too. I put down stuff and then a few seconds later forget where I put it.

The funny thing is that I can remember where I put something if it was long enough ago. Then if someone moves that thing I get very upset.

 

[KazeCraven]

What, really?

Oh, I see the problem. It's one of many techniques used here.

http://www.agenebbes.nl/memorymaster/Lnkint.htm

^That, specifically, is about the stuff I was talking about.

 

[Synthesis]

KazeCraven-

Thank you for the links, they have been favorited and will be examined (I did read the specific one posted above). Essentially, stronger association leads to remembrance. Ironically, I knew of this already, yet did not think (ahem, I forgot about it) to apply it here. Merci

Walfin-

I can relate. I seem to do this on a disturbingly high scale throughout a given day - five to ten occurances. Need more mental pictures...*browses google*