Mnemonic link system
Encyclopedia
A mnemonic
link system, sometimes also known as a chain method, is a method of remembering lists, based on creating an association between the elements of that list. For example, if one wished to remember the list (dog, envelope, thirteen, yarn, window), one could create a link system, such as a story about a "dog stuck in an envelope, mailed to an unlucky black cat playing with yarn by the window". It is then argued that the story would be easier to remember than the list itself.
A probably more effective method rather than creating a story is to actually link each element of the list with the following, seeing in one's mind's eye an image that includes two elements in the list that are next to each other. This would form an open doubly linked list which could be traversed at will, backwards or forwards. For example, if we wanted to easily memorize the last list one would imagine his or her dog inside of a giant envelope, then one would "see" an unlucky black cat (or whatever reminds the user of the number thirteen; other techniques such as the Major system
can assist with this) eating a huge envelope. The same logic should be used with the rest of the items. The observation that absurd images are easier to remember is known as the Von Restorff effect
, but was refuted as a mnemonic technique by several studies (Hock et al. 1978; Einstein 1987). Important is not the absurdness but the established interaction between the two words. By combining this method with others, like the Peg system and the Major system
(which is used to retain numbers), we can easily get what some people call a trained memory.
However, in order to access a certain element of the list, one needs to "traverse" the system (much in the same vein as a linked list
), in order to get the element from the system.
There are three clear limitations to the link system: the first is that there is no numerical order imposed when memorizing, hence the practitioner cannot immediately determine the numerical position of an item- this can be solved by bundling numerical markers at set points in the chain or using the peg system
instead. The second limitation is that if any of the items is somehow forgotten (either not vividly visualized in the first place or not refreshed enough) the entire list may be in jeopardy. The third limitation is due to possibly repeated sequences of items which can mix up the images in the mind - a common problem when memorizing binary digits. This limitation can also be resolved either through bundling or by using either the peg system or the method of loci
Mnemonic
A mnemonic , or mnemonic device, is any learning technique that aids memory. To improve long term memory, mnemonic systems are used to make memorization easier. Commonly encountered mnemonics are often verbal, such as a very short poem or a special word used to help a person remember something,...
link system, sometimes also known as a chain method, is a method of remembering lists, based on creating an association between the elements of that list. For example, if one wished to remember the list (dog, envelope, thirteen, yarn, window), one could create a link system, such as a story about a "dog stuck in an envelope, mailed to an unlucky black cat playing with yarn by the window". It is then argued that the story would be easier to remember than the list itself.
A probably more effective method rather than creating a story is to actually link each element of the list with the following, seeing in one's mind's eye an image that includes two elements in the list that are next to each other. This would form an open doubly linked list which could be traversed at will, backwards or forwards. For example, if we wanted to easily memorize the last list one would imagine his or her dog inside of a giant envelope, then one would "see" an unlucky black cat (or whatever reminds the user of the number thirteen; other techniques such as the Major system
Mnemonic major system
The Major System is a mnemonic technique used to aid in memorizing numbers....
can assist with this) eating a huge envelope. The same logic should be used with the rest of the items. The observation that absurd images are easier to remember is known as the Von Restorff effect
Von Restorff effect
The Von Restorff effect , also called the isolation effect, predicts that an item that "stands out like a sore thumb" is more likely to be remembered than other items....
, but was refuted as a mnemonic technique by several studies (Hock et al. 1978; Einstein 1987). Important is not the absurdness but the established interaction between the two words. By combining this method with others, like the Peg system and the Major system
Mnemonic major system
The Major System is a mnemonic technique used to aid in memorizing numbers....
(which is used to retain numbers), we can easily get what some people call a trained memory.
However, in order to access a certain element of the list, one needs to "traverse" the system (much in the same vein as a linked list
Linked list
In computer science, a linked list is a data structure consisting of a group of nodes which together represent a sequence. Under the simplest form, each node is composed of a datum and a reference to the next node in the sequence; more complex variants add additional links...
), in order to get the element from the system.
There are three clear limitations to the link system: the first is that there is no numerical order imposed when memorizing, hence the practitioner cannot immediately determine the numerical position of an item- this can be solved by bundling numerical markers at set points in the chain or using the peg system
Mnemonic peg system
A peg system is a technique for memorizing lists. It works by pre-memorizing a list of words that are easy to associate with the numbers they represent . Those objects form the "pegs" of the system. Then in the future, to rapidly memorize a list of arbitrary objects, each one is associated with...
instead. The second limitation is that if any of the items is somehow forgotten (either not vividly visualized in the first place or not refreshed enough) the entire list may be in jeopardy. The third limitation is due to possibly repeated sequences of items which can mix up the images in the mind - a common problem when memorizing binary digits. This limitation can also be resolved either through bundling or by using either the peg system or the method of loci
Method of loci
The method of loci , also called the memory palace, is a mnemonic device introduced in ancient Roman rhetorical treatises . It relies on memorized spatial relationships to establish, order and recollect memorial content...
See also
- Memory sportMemory sportMemory sport, sometimes referred to as competitive memory or the mind sport of memory, is a competition in which participants attempt to memorize the most information that they can then present back, under certain guidelines...
- Art of MemoryArt of memoryThe Art of Memory or Ars Memorativa is a general term used to designate a loosely associated group of mnemonic principles and techniques used to organize memory impressions, improve recall, and assist in the combination and 'invention' of ideas. It is sometimes referred to as mnemotechnics...
- Method of lociMethod of lociThe method of loci , also called the memory palace, is a mnemonic device introduced in ancient Roman rhetorical treatises . It relies on memorized spatial relationships to establish, order and recollect memorial content...
- Goroawase SystemMnemonic goroawase systemJapanese wordplay relies on the nuances of the Japanese language and Japanese script for humorous effect.Japanese double entendres have a rich history in Japanese entertainment, because of the way that Japanese words can be read to have several different meanings and pronunciations...
- Major systemMnemonic major systemThe Major System is a mnemonic technique used to aid in memorizing numbers....
- Dominic systemMnemonic dominic systemThe mnemonic dominic system is a mnemonic system used to remember sequences of digits similar to the mnemonic major system. It was invented and used in competition by several-time memory world champion Dominic O'Brien.-Differences from the major system:...