Your Memory: How It Works and How to Improve It by Kenneth L. Higbee Ph.D

Author:Kenneth L. Higbee Ph.D. [Higbee Ph.D., Kenneth L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780738212975
Publisher: Da Capo Press
Published: 2008-03-02T23:00:00+00:00

9

Mental Filing Systems: Link and Story Mnemonics

In chapter 7 mnemonic “techniques” and mnemonic “systems” were distinguished. The examples of mnemonics discussed so far in this book illustrate specific-purpose techniques. For example, the “1492 . . .” verse helps us remember when Columbus discovered America, but it does not help remember other dates. “I before e . . .” helps us remember how to spell words with ie in them, but it does not help spell other words. HOMES helps us remember the names of the Great Lakes, but it does not help remember other names. Of course, other rhymes and acronyms can be constructed to remember other dates, spelling words, and names, but these particular mnemonics lack generality; they can be applied only for one purpose.

Mnemonic systems are more general-purpose methods that can be applied to different kinds of memory tasks; they are not limited to only one set of material, but can be used over and over to learn different material. Chapters 9 through 12 discuss five mnemonic systems—Link, Story, Loci, Peg, and Phonetic. Each of these four chapters has three major sections. The first section describes and explains the mnemonic system. The second section describes some recent research evidence concerning how well the system works, to give you confidence in its effectiveness. The third section suggests some ways you might be able to use the system in practical memory tasks.

All of the principles, characteristics, applications, strengths, and limitations of mnemonics in chapters 7 and 8 apply to mnemonic systems as well as to mnemonic techniques. After you have read chapters 9 through 12, read chapters 7 and 8 again; many of the points regarding mnemonics will be even more meaningful when you are familiar with the mnemonic systems.

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