Mental Images Concepts and Shcemas

 
This is an essay about three methods used in improving memory, Mental Images, Concepts and Schemas and how each of the three methods works in doing so. I will explore each method using various pieces of research along with examples to support points being made.
 
 
To start with discussing the use of mental images. Naturally as adults individuals tend to think in word form, known as semantic thought. This is effective however when trying to remember things, recall fresh information and improve our overall memory the use of mental images is called and is when a mental picture associated alongside a word or phrase. This picture then acts as a cue to the memory and recall of a particular word or phrase.
 
Using Mental Images has been shown to be helpful when learning or memorising something new. For example when learning a new language an individual would be taught a word and then asked to picture a word or object that they are already familiar with in their own language. This is then named the ‘Key word’. In learning vocabulary it is much more interesting than repeating words a number of times and much more effective when it comes to recalling them from the memory.
 
A study by Raugh M, Atkinson R (1975,cited in Spoors et al.,2011) showed that the use of mental images in the form of a ‘key word’ proved extremely useful in a situation where two groups of participants were given 60 Spanish words to learn. Only half of the participants were taught the ‘Key word’ technique. The participants that were taught the technique scored an average of 88 per cent, whereas the participants who were not scored only a 28 per cent on average. This stands as clear evidence that the use of Mental Images can help to improve our memory through creation of association between words and pictures.
 
A different method used in improving our memory, known as Concept formation will now be explored.
 
A concept is a very different process used when improving memory....