Memory Palaces were used more in the past because it was a time when word of mouth and stories were used more than books except those which you were almost required to know "by heart". There was more of a need for an expanded memory. The devices used during midieval times created memory palces by setting up the information as unusual stories with intricate scenes which helped them remember words and the meaning of the stories. They were instructed to set it up as a grid in their mind with columns containing integrated information. This mnemonic was more difficult for recall because it required finding the information from a chart in your memory. When pictures were introduced into the grid it made it easier but still allowed for information in the charts to get confused. It progressed to the picture not only representing a visual image, but also a verbal image which helped in recalling specific detail.

The classical use of mnemonics was different than this form. They used more of an architectural setting and their ideas were very similar to the Method of Loci. The images were very vivid and usually a specific location was used to set up the scene. They also had specific rules in creating the images. The locations had to be well lit and the images had to stand away from the setting so that they would not blend in and information would be lost. This problem was demonstrated by Luria's subject S.. He would occationally place white objects against white walls or the rooms would be too dark for him to see when he was storing the information. This made it impossible for him to recall it because he literally couldn't see it. This was recognized as a potential problem during the development of the classical use of mnemonics and stated that in order for accurate recall that there should be no form of destracting detail. Overall the rules involved with classical use of mnemonics and very similarly with the Method of Loci indicate the peceptual nature and neccesity of the senses when using it for beneficial results.

Mnemonic Devices are usually something that have to be taught, and are very rarely a natural process. In Luria's "The Mind of a Mnemonist", he describes the case of S., someone who used different forms of mnemonics automatically. S. was able to remember large amounts of information using perception to create a detailed scene in his mind. These scenes tied in all of his senses allowing him to develop a natural taste, smell, or sensation for the words and numbers he remembered. This usage of his senses is known as synesthesia. His senses overlapped allowing him to have a very detailed account of most information presented to him. The process was completely perceptual. As convenient as this sounds, S. also had problems with recall because it was so perceptual. He was easily distracted when being presented with the information if there was a foreign sound. The sound would either create a space or become part of his memory. He had a harder time when trying to recall information that was presented to him aurally if when it was presented there was an extra sound because he would be concentrating on the person's voice. This would blur his perceptions. S. also had the ability of recalling large amount of information by breaking down the words in such a way that he was able to create a scene with the these words. S. also naturally saw sounds and numbers in his mind as different shapes, lines and other images. He would follow the lines and scenes as if he were reading them from inside his head. He also used the Method of Loci in recall as well. He would picture himself walking down a familiar street seeing people he knew and images from the story. His descriptions were very detailed and he had a hard time when reading novels and poetry because he took everything very literally. He did not have the ability to read in a selective manner. He would pick up his own perceptions and would get stuck on certain words that could have separate meaning in other contexts. He was not able to read poetry because he could not understand the metaphors. This was one of the great problems with having such a limitless perceptual memory.

Mnemonic devices are definitely useful in recalling small amounts of information. For short term recall of a sequence of random words, the use of Method of Loci proved to be more beneficial than rehearsal. Having a context for the words as opposed to just having random words you have said before floating around in your mind helps to remember them. It is almost like playing a movie you created in your mind, following a natural path in a place that you are familiar with, that you can tie in with vivid past experiences to give the information importance. Which is why it is also beneficial to create your own path or device given the rules of any mnemonic. However the visual context still seems to be the most important aspect. No matter what type of mnemonic device used the visual will play a dominant role. If the visual aspect is not involved the recall will most likely not be as strong.

What Makes Information Memorable

My Experience With Mnemonics

Annotated Web Bibliography

Bibliography

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