The Stickiness Factor.

I really liked this excerpt a lot. Its such a common thing that I don't often think about: what makes an idea stick in my mind so well that the second after I hear it, I could easily retell it without error? After reading the intro about the organ thieves, I immediately thought, "Wow I should keep that in mind when accepting something from a stranger in the future." Even though it was a myth. And, for a while, I probably will think twice. Right after I thought that, I read: And if we believe it's true, it might change our behavior permanently — at least in terms of accepting drinks from attractive strangers." It was weird to me how unoriginal my thought was.

Stickiness is an idea, story, fact, that will remain in your memory for a while because of its affect on you. It will often involve three things:

1. Highlighting an unexpected danger in a common activity
2. Make use of vivid, concrete images that cling easily to memory
3. Tap into emotion

This excerpt made me think of my geology professor. He is a professional magician who has/had shows in Staten Island, Long Island, Las Vegas, has been on TV, etc. He does a magic trick for the main points in what we are learning. It is not only entertaining, but it makes it easier to remember the key facts. For example, I won't easily forget that it takes a lot of heat and pressure to create a metamorphic rock. I agree with the authors and Heath, that those 3 factors will make something really stick in your mind. The authors even touched on Halloween and how many parents don't let their kids eat candy that has been either packaged by the person giving it out, or not packaged at all because of the myths-including my parents. After coming back from trick-or-treating, my parents always went through my candy and took out the pieces that were "unsafe." I'll probably do the same for my kids. The scary thought of your child dying over cyanide contaminated candy will continue to stick in my mind. Even if it wasn't the stranger's fault at all.