2013年职称英语考试《综合类C级》考试真题及答案_职称英语考试真题综合类

2013年职称英语考试《综合类C级》考试真题及答案

　　A recent study of human memory suggests that no matter how hard we try to change out habits, it is the old ways that tend to win, especially in situations where we are rushed, stressed or overworked. Habits that we thought we had got rid of can suddenly come back. During the study program, the researchers showed a group of volunteers several pictures, and gave them words to associate with them. They then showed the volunteers the same picture again, and gave them new words to associate with them.

　　A few days later, the volunteers were given a test. The researchers showed them the pictures, and told them to respond with one of the words they had been given for each one. It came as no surprise that their answers were split between the first set of words and second. Two weeks later, they were given the same test again. This time, most of them only gave the first set of words. They appeared to have completely forgotten the second set.

　　The study confirms that the responses we learn first are those that remain strongest over time. We may try to change out ways, but after a while, the response that comes to mind first is usually the first one we learned. The more that response is used, the more automatic it becomes and the harder it becomes to respond in any other way.

　　The study therefore suggests that over time, our bad habits also become automatic, learned behavior. This is not good news for people who pick up bad habits early in life and now want to change or break them. Even when we try to put new, good intentions into practice, those previous learned habits remain stronger in more automatic, unconscious forms of memory.