What The Research Says About Mnemonics

West, C.K., Farmer, J.A., Wolff, P.M. (1991).

• The keyword method has been demonstrated as an effective way to learn:
• Vocabulary in one's first language
• Second language vocabulary
• Names of famous people and their accomplishments
• States and their capitals
• at The Research Says About Mnemonics:
• The keyword method usually results in significant effects on learning.
• Studies comparing the chain methods (link, story, and pegword) to controls found the use of these mnemonic techniques resulted in superior recall.
• Subjects using the method of loci recalled more items than when compared with use of other treatments.
• Single-use codes combined with imagery was found superior for abstract word recall.

Other Studies

• Mastropieri, M.A., Scruggs, T.E. (March,1998). Enhancing school success with mnemonic strategies. http://www.ldonline.org/ld_indepth/teaching_techniques/mnemonic_strategies.html
• "Mnemonic instruction... can be used to increase school learning and memory of students with learning difficulties."
• Mastropieri, M.A., Scruggs, T.E., & Whedon, C. (1997). Using mnemonic strategies to teach information about U.S. presidents: a classroom-based investigation. Learning Disabilities Quarterly, 20, 1. 13-21.
• The keyword-pegword strategy showed a significant effect in teaching learning disabled middle school students.
• Gruneberg, M., Sykes, R. (1996). The use of mnemonic strategies in the learning of non-Roman foreign language alphabets. Language Learning Journal, March, 13. 82-83.
• Mnemonic strategies enhance the learning speed of non-Roman foreign language alphabets.