Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
05:15
The Spatial Memory Game: Testing the Relationship Between Spatial Language, Object Knowledge, and Spatial Cognition
Published on: February 19, 2018
12.0K
Interaction between mode of learning and subjective experience: translation effects in long-term memory
James M Rackie1, Karen R Brandt, Michael W Eysenck
1a Department of Psychology , University of Roehampton , London , UK.
Memory (Hove, England)
|February 18, 2014
Summary
Writing and vocalizing words enhances memory recall and recognition. This study shows that translating between auditory and visual domains improves memory performance, particularly through rich episodic remembering.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Memory Studies
Background:
- Encoding strategies influence memory trace distinctiveness.
- Translation between sensory domains (e.g., auditory to visual) may enhance memory.
- Previous research suggests a 'translation effect' benefits recognition but not recall.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the translation effect of writing and vocalization on recall and recognition memory.
- To determine if these effects are mediated by the subjective experience of 'remembering' versus 'knowing'.
- To explore the role of cross-modal translation in memory formation.
Main Methods:
- Experiment 1: Assessed recall using writing (translation), vocalization (non-translation), and silent hearing (non-translation) of auditorily presented words.
- Experiment 2: Assessed recognition memory using vocalization (translation), writing (non-translation), and silent reading (non-translation) of visually presented words.
- Participants rated their subjective experience of remembering or knowing for recalled/recognized items.
Main Results:
- Writing auditorily presented words (auditory-to-visual translation) improved recall compared to vocalizing or silent hearing.
- Vocalizing visually presented words (visual-to-auditory translation) improved recognition compared to writing or silent reading.
- The beneficial effect of vocalization on recognition was linked to the subjective experience of remembering, not knowing.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates a beneficial 'translation effect' for both recall and recognition memory.
- Writing enhances recall through auditory-to-visual translation, while vocalization enhances recognition through visual-to-auditory translation.
- Vocalization's positive impact on recognition memory is associated with detailed, episodic remembering.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Higher Mental Functions of Brain: Learning and Memory
2.2K
Memory is one of the most vital higher mental functions of the brain. Memory is closely related to learning because it enables us to retain information and experiences from our past to use them in our present life. It also helps us to remember facts, events, and skills, such as riding a bike or swimming. There are two types of memory — declarative memory, which involves memorizing facts or events, and procedural memory, which enables us to remember how to do something like writing or...
2.2K
01:21Cognitive Learning
1.6K
Cognitive learning is based on purposive behavior, incidental learning, and insight learning.
E. C. Tolman's theory of purposive behavior emphasizes that much behavior is goal-directed. He argued that to understand behavior, we must look at the entire sequence of actions leading to a goal. For instance, high school students study hard, not just due to past reinforcement but also to achieve the goal of getting into a good college.
Tolman introduced the idea that behavior is influenced by...
E. C. Tolman's theory of purposive behavior emphasizes that much behavior is goal-directed. He argued that to understand behavior, we must look at the entire sequence of actions leading to a goal. For instance, high school students study hard, not just due to past reinforcement but also to achieve the goal of getting into a good college.
Tolman introduced the idea that behavior is influenced by...
1.6K
01:18Long-Term Memory
937
Long-term memory is a relatively permanent type of memory, capable of storing vast amounts of information over extended periods. Its storage capacity is generally considered unlimited.
Long-term memory can be categorized into two primary types: explicit and implicit memory. Explicit memory, also known as declarative memory, involves the conscious recollection of information that we deliberately try to remember, recall, and articulate. This type of memory encompasses specific facts, events, and...
Long-term memory can be categorized into two primary types: explicit and implicit memory. Explicit memory, also known as declarative memory, involves the conscious recollection of information that we deliberately try to remember, recall, and articulate. This type of memory encompasses specific facts, events, and...
937
01:22Purposive Learning
693
E. C. Tolman emphasized the purposiveness of behavior — the idea that much of our behavior is goal-directed. For instance, employees who aim for a promotion work diligently to meet their targets. Tolman argued that when classical conditioning and operant conditioning occur, the organism acquires certain expectations. In classical conditioning, a child might fear a dog because they expect it to bite. In operant conditioning, a person might consistently work overtime because they expect a...
693
01:25Long-term Potentiation
2.7K
Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when...
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when...
2.7K
01:35Long-term Potentiation
51.6K
Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre- and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
51.6K