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The comparative text-processing benefits of matrix structures, mnemonic representations, and their combination were examined in 3 experiments (1 with college students, 2 with 5th graders). The study's major findings permit the following conclusions: First, contrary to previous research on the topic, 2-dimensional matrices (whether in a verbal or pictorial format) produced only limited positive effects on students' text-learning performance, relative to either corresponding linear outlines or text alone. Second, and in contrast, appropriate mnemonic representations (whether individually presented or embedded in a matrix) did prove to be highly effective text-learning facilitators of students' memory and application in both individual-and group-testing situations, both immediately following instruction and on 1-week delayed tests. Third, relatively little advantage of the mnemonic matrix over individual mnemonic representations was detected.

An innovative single-case crossover design containing multiple forms of randomization was implemented with eight participants in seven weekly sessions, during which instruction was given in the use of two different pictorial mnemonic (memory-enhancing) strategies: one designed to improve the children's learning of the dates of various inventions and the other designed to improve the children's acquisition of unfamiliar vocabulary items. A composite randomization statistical test revealed that when compared with the children's own preferred learning methods, the mnemonic-strategy approach produced the predicted facilitation effects. At the same time, it was evident that mnemonic instruction enhanced children's performance to a greater extent on the vocabulary task than on the inventions task. In-depth examination of both individual student performance profiles and the tasks/procedures were conducted, yielding recommendations and challenges for follow-up single-case intervention research on the topic.

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