The Relative Effectiveness of Three Memory Techniques

Overview

Objectives/Goals To determine which of three memory techniques, the loci method, rote memorization, and picture flash cards, is the most effective; and to determine if longer words are harder to memorize than shorter words. Methods/Materials Five subjects used the three memory techniques to memorize lists of twenty words. The first three lists had one-syllable words, the second three had two-syllable words, and the last three had three-syllable words. Results The loci method was the most effective memory technique, with picture flash cards the second most effective, and rote memorization the least effective. When the number of syllables increased, the percentage of words memorized consistently decreased. Conclusions/Discussion The loci method may have succeeded because it was tailored to the individual or because it connected the unfamiliar to the familiar. It could be used to study vocabulary, spelling, and anything that needs to be memorized in a specific sequence, and teachers and students should consider using it in the place of less effective techniques.

Awards (1)

• Fourth Place

Competition history

• CSEF 2013 Cognitive Science (Junior Division Only) · Entry J0719

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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