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Organising our thinking by using memory strategies can be a powerful aid to improving memory. To explain this statement, I will look in turn at mental images, a process whereby forming an image helps fix a memory.   Concept formation where we use a set of defining features,   and finally Schemas, mental structures we use to organise and simplify our knowledge of the world around us.

Spoors et al (2011) suggest that as adults we think mostly in words (known as semantic thought) and that by thinking in pictures (known as iconic thought) the ability to recall information improves because the extra effort in forming the image helps cement it in our memory especially if the images are bold and out of the ordinary.   These memory strategies are known as mnemonics, the technique using mental images to improve memory.   To illustrate for example, how using mental images in learning a new language can be effective, Raugh & Atkinson (1975) developed a key word technique where a person would think of a word which sounds similar to the word in the language they are learning then apply a mental picture. Raugh & Atkinson evidenced this technique by asking two groups of people to learn 60 Spanish words, asking one group to use the key word technique the other group not.   When tested the group who used the key word technique did substantially better in memorising the words than the group who did not use the technique.   Spoors et al (2011, p47)   provides another example of a memory strategy called the method of loci (meaning places) which was developed in Ancient Greece. ‘This   technique works by the learner linking mental images of items they are trying to remember with a sequence of locations that they already know’.   To illustrate this method of memory recall, I experimented with a list of 20 words and attached vibrant mental images to each one against familiar landmarks on a journey I regularly undertake.   I was able to recall all 20 words correctly the first time I tried the...