ABSTRACT
Verbal descriptions of memory are nice. They give us a feel for how memory operates, but they can be vague. Worse, alone they may not distinguish among different ideas about how memory works. A more precise language is needed to capture the subtle flavors and nuances of human memory, and that language is mathematics. By casting ideas in a mathematical language, thereby creating a formal model, we can look at finer qualities of memory than is not possible with verbal descriptions. This mathematical expression is often done using computer models. Creating a formal model of memory forces us to be explicit about how everything works and our assumptions are laid bare. With verbal descriptions it’s easy to fudge things and make assumptions without realizing it. Also, formal models allow for more accurate predictions about how memory works. If psychology is to continue to succeed as a science, there should be a reasonable level of predictability. This does not mean that the goal of psychology is to predict every little behavior or thought, but it at least must provide a general description of what will happen on average, such as knowing that people remember more if they spread studying out over several short sessions rather than a single long one.
