Mnemonic techniques, also known as Mnemonic devices, describe various ways in which an individual can memorize ideas with patterns.
As a memorization tool, mnemonic techniques are as numerous as they are varied.
Most people can remember the phrase from their childhood used to memorize the correct order of the planets.
However, relatively few would have heard of the method of loci technique or the one based on linked stories and images.
Let’s describe some of these mnemonic techniques (and a few others) in the sections that follow.
Method of loci
The method of loci mnemonic technique is one of the oldest still in use today. The technique, which is also one of the most researched and versatile, was used as early as 477 BC by the Greek poet Simonides of Ceos.
In short, the learner visualizes a familiar room or route inside a building and then mentally attributes information to familiar objects or locations.
As the individual imagines themselves following a path or entering a room, each object or location enables them to recall specific pieces of information.
The linking system
Similar to the method of loci is the linking system technique. Here, the learner must create a story that connects pieces of information with each piece resulting in recollection of the next.
Imagine that Wendy has an important presentation tomorrow and needs to remember to bring the following items to work: laptop, reading glasses, pointer, brochures, and cue cards.
Wendy uses the linking system to develop a short story that will help her remember these items: Wendy’s laptop puts on its reading glasses and uses a pointer to illustrate brochures and cue cards.
Acronyms and acrostics
Acronyms are one of the easiest mnemonic techniques to understand. For example, the HOMES acronym is used to remember all five of the North American Great Lakes:
- Huron.
- Ontario.
- Michigan.
- Erie, and
- Superior.
Acrostics are similar to acronyms but use a phrase or complete sentence is used to recall information instead of a word.
The most common of these, which we touched on in the introduction, is the acrostic that deals with the number and order of planetary bodies.
Derivations of the phrase “My Very Educated Mother Just Sent Us Nine Pizzas” contain the first letter of each planet.
Chunking
Chunking is a technique where the individual breaks down information into smaller chunks.
This is commonly employed to remember long numbers such as those associated with phone numbers, social security accounts, bank accounts, and even passwords.
Recent research by Norris and Kalm (2021) posits that chunking is effective because it serves as a long-term memory function.
Making connections
Making connections is about connecting new information with something the individual already knows or is familiar with.
This versatile technique is a type of elaborative rehearsal which, like chunking, can result in more information stored in long-term memory.
Consider Tony, a businessman who attends a networking function with a tendency to forget people’s names.
When Tony is introduced to Nancy, for example, he can memorize her name by associating it with an observation.
Tony notices that Nancy is somewhat reserved and shy, so he decides to call her “Nervous Nancy” in his mind to remember her name should the two ever cross paths in the future.
Key takeaways:
- Mnemonic techniques, also known as mnemonic devices, describe various ways in which an individual can memorize ideas with patterns.
- In use as early as 477 BC, the method of loci mnemonic technique is one of the oldest still in use today. It involves visualizing a familiar room or route inside a building and then mentally attributing information to familiar objects or locations.
- Other common mnemonic techniques include acronyms, acrostics, chunking, and making connections.
Connected Mnemonic Frameworks
Method of Loci
Feynman Technique
5 Whys Method
Related Strategy Concepts: Read Next: Mental Models, Biases, Bounded Rationality, Mandela Effect, Dunning-Kruger Effect, Lindy Effect, Crowding Out Effect, Bandwagon Effect, Decision-Making Matrix.
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