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Stories as a mnemonic aid for older learners
R D Hill1, C Allen, P McWhorter
1Department of Educational Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84112.
Psychology and Aging
|September 1, 1991
Summary
A story mnemonic effectively improved memory recall in elderly adults. This memory training enhanced word retention compared to placebo training over several days.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Memory decline is a concern for community-dwelling elderly adults.
- Effective memory training strategies are crucial for maintaining cognitive function in aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of a story mnemonic for free-recall learning in older adults.
- To compare the story mnemonic with the method of loci and placebo training.
Main Methods:
- 71 community-dwelling elderly adults participated.
- Participants were assigned to either a narrative story, method of loci, or placebo memory training group.
- Recall of 26 concrete, highly imaginable nouns was tested immediately, after 1 hour, and after 3 days.
Main Results:
- Both the story mnemonic and method of loci groups showed significantly better word recall than the placebo group at all testing intervals.
- The story mnemonic demonstrated a notable enhancement in word retention.
Conclusions:
- A story mnemonic is an effective strategy for improving free-recall learning in elderly adults.
- Memory training interventions, particularly using mnemonics, can support cognitive health in aging individuals.