The memory palace architect: Effect of valence on loci-dependent recall performance

Method of loci (MOL) is a strategy heavily utilized by superior memorists that leverages visualizations of familiar spatial environments (memory palaces) to enhance information recall. The characteristics of memory palaces used in MOL have not been well-studied. Yet, understanding how different memory palace features contribute to memory enhancement may allow us to design optimal palaces. Here, we examined whether memory palace valence influences neutral information recall. We found that participants (U.S. adults) who applied MOL using a negatively valenced palace (N = 40) outperformed participants who applied MOL using a positively valenced palace (N = 38) and participants in a non-MOL control group (N = 47) on a word recall test. Furthermore, participants who perceived the negative palace more negatively or positive palace more positively exhibited greater recall accuracy, but overall, the negative group outperformed the positive group. We replicated these findings in an independent sample of participants tested on their memory for steps in the process of making a floral paperweight. Again, the negative group (N = 33) outperformed the positive (N = 34) and control (N = 31) groups. These findings highlight that memory palaces can be constructed to optimize loci-dependent memory accuracy, providing new evidence-based strategies to improve memorization. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).