The role of proactive interference in mnemonic techniques

Abstract

The success of many mnemonic techniques, such as the method of loci, is based on the use of specific well-known anchors, which are mentally combined with to-be-learned items and subsequently facilitate their retrieval. In our studies we intended to answer the question of whether the repeated application of the method of loci may result in proactive interference effects, as might be expected due to the applied association of items with the same loci each time the method is used. To this end, we manipulated list similarity in a typical proactive interference design and compared the method of loci with the link method and the rehearsal method, which do not involve the use of a specified set of anchors. Our results replicate those from other studies, which have shown that the use of a mnemonic technique leads to superior recall of list items compared to a simple rehearsal strategy. We were further able to show that the repeated learning of items from different categories results in moderate practice effects over three list-learning trials, whereas this effect is superimposed by an effect of proactive interference if different lists are composed of items from the same category. However, this effect of proactive interference was not increased for the method of loci, and we discuss this finding with regard to its practical implications.

Proactive control of proactive interference using the method of loci

“…In a study of those with superior memories, all used memory strategies, and 90% reported using the MOL (Maguire, Valentine, Wilding, & Kapur, 2003). Memory training studies affirm the strength of this strategy to improve memory performance in both young and older participants (Lustig & Flegal, 2008; Massen & Vaterrodt-Plünnecke, 2006; Nyberg et al., 2003; Rebok & Balcerak, 1989). In our study, participants without instruction in the MOL recalled about 88% of the low interference List 1 and about 50% of the high interference List 5.…”

“…Imagery provides an immediate way to integrate a set of information (Rubin, 1995) and it is well suited for moving quickly from one situation to another (Paivio, 1971, as cited in Rubin, 1995), but it is the loci that hold items in memory and make items more accessible in recall (Massen & Vaterrodt-Plünnecke, 2006; Roediger, 1980). Image appears to function locally to improve recall by accessing only local information at one time in one place (Rubin, 1995).…”

“…But when that is done, even with only 25 min of instruction and loci map making, the MOL can equip a person to diminish the specific memory hazard of proactive interference. This is particularly important given that the MOL can be repeatedly used effectively (Massen & Vaterrodt-Plünnecke, 2006). Future research should explore this mnemonic as a way of reducing PI in populations that are particularly susceptible to the buildup of proactive interference, such as those with traumatic brain injury or older adults.…”

“…Massen and Vaterrodt-Plünnecke (2006) questioned whether repeated use of the MOL would cause significant PI, thereby reducing its usefulness over time. They found that the MOL retains its effectiveness and that the effect of PI was minimal.…”

Mnemonics: Underlying Processes and Practical Applications

“…Regarding the latter, research indicates that the method of loci indeed enhances serial recall (Ross and Lawrence, 1968;Christen and Bjork, 1976;Wang and Thomas, 2000), even after a substantial retention interval (Groninger, 1971;Wang and Thomas, 2000). Furthermore, research has demonstrated that the same loci can be used to learn several different lists without proactive interference (Christen and Bjork, 1976;de Beni and Cornoldi, 1988;Massen and Vaterrodt-Plunnecke, 2006). Some evidence also suggests that mnemonic training with the method of loci can curb some age-related memory differences in elderly adults (Hill et al, 1991;Brooks et al, 1999).…”