ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on some of the numerous techniques that can be used to improve our memory. It considers a few of the most important mnemonic techniques including an assessment of their strengths and limitations. Mnemonics based on visual imagery have been common at least since classical times. The main reason mnemonic techniques are effective is because they enable memorizers to use previously learned retrieval structures stored in long-term memory. The testing effect is generally strong and has been obtained almost regardless of the nature of the to-be-learned material. The dual-memory theory provides a plausible explanation of the testing effect. There has been relatively little research designed explicitly to identify the precise factors responsible for the distributed-practice effect.
