PSYB57H3 Final: B57 Final Notes
Document Summary
Paivio postulated the dual-coding theory, which argues that images can be represented by both verbal and non-verbal systems. Logogens are the units that are part of the first system, and imagens comprise the latter. Furthermore, paivio maintained that words that produce a mental image have concreteness. In one of his experiments a high correlation was found between ratings of high concreteness and high imagery. Imagery has also been used as a mnemonic technique, by employing the method of loci (using bizarre images of objects placed in familiar places), for instance. It has long been found that the most bizarre or distinctive items in a set of common items are better remembered (von restorff effect). This phenomenon also applies to humour, with more humorous material recalled more easily. Furthermore, people can use the special places strategy; however, since it relies solely on distinctiveness, it is a less reliable aid to memory.