Mnemonics Flashcards
using different mnemonic devices to recall the order of the planets
Describe method of loci
Connects information to items mentally by creating a visual pathway/place and associating place and items with info
Example of an acrostic
Never Eat Soggy Weetbix
Example of an acronym
BODMAS
Write the aim of this study
To investigate which of the three mnemonics is most effective when memorising and recalling the order of the planets
Identify the sample and population relevant to this study, and the sampling technique that was used.
Sample - psychology class
Population - high school students
Sampling technique - non random
Identify and justify the methodology and design used in this study.
Controlled experiment - the direct effect that the IV has on the DV is being tested and compared
Between-subjects - not all participants are required to complete all experimental groups
Formulate an appropriate research hypothesis for this study.
It is hypothesised that VCE students in year 11 and 12 at SOTS who use an acrostic mnemonic to remember and recall the order of the planets, they will be able to recall more efficiently than students applying other mnemonics.
Explain why the Method of Loci may be difficult for someone with Aphantasia to utilise as a mnemonic device. Include a definition of Aphantasia in your response.
Aphantasia is the inability to generate mental imagery
The Method of Loci involves visualising a chosen place/route and visually linking items together to memorise and Aphantasia hinders this ability.
Identify which brain areas would be relevant when learning the mnemonic device. Justify your response.
Hippocampus - Responsible for encoding and retrieving explicit memory, in this case semantic memories. By associating the planets with chosen items they act as cues.
Neocortex - Where the memory of the order of the planets will be stored
List two extraneous variables/limitations
1) people previously knowing the order of the planets which could result in the mnemonic not being applied
2) the amount of people in each experiment group, this could affect how many people were successful in each group therefore unable to compare the results accurately.
Discuss improvements
- non-random sample, this could improve the accuracy of the results.
- Also asking participants to memorise a larger quantity of information to measure the extent of the mnemonics as well to effectively measure which one is the best.
