Strategies for memory improvement

Strategies for memory improvement

1. MNEMONIC

   • any structured technique that is used to help people remember & recall information
   • Verbal mnemonics
     • Acronym
       • a word or a sentence is formed from the initial letters other words
     • Acrostic
       • a poem or a sentence where the first letter in each line or word forms the item to be remembered e.g My very easy method just speeds up naming planets used to remember order of the planets
     • Rhymes
       • groups of wordsmith an identity and rhythm
     • Chunking
       • involves dividing a long string of information into memorable chunks e.g. chunking telephone numbers
   • Visual imagery mnemonics
     • Method of loci
       • Loci means 'places'- requires the learner to associate parts of the material to be recalled with different places e.g. familiar buildings in the order that they are to be recalled
     • Keyword method
       • trying to associate two pieces of information -conjuring up the visual image should trigger the recall of the word

2. Evaluation

   • Gruneberg (1973) 30% of psychology students revising for final exams used mnemonics in their revision
   • O'Hara et al (2007) training in the use of mnemonic techniques such as the method of loci has long-term memory benefits for older adults
   • studies have taken place in comparatively artificial laboratory conditions using materials believed to be especially appropriate for the mnemonic strategies under test
   • techniques cannot be applied to more complex learning - e.g. yet to show effectiveness in helping students actually speak foreign languages
   • Gladden et al (1983) verbal mnemonics were effective in children with learning disabilities