Mnemonic Devices

As an RMC student, learning time-efficient methods of memorising complex subject manner is critical for success. Mnemonic devices are strategies for encoding information with the sole purpose of making it more memorable a frequently used approach, helps many remember vital information. One theory that explains why mnemonics contribute to improving memory is the dual coding theory from Dr Allan Paivio "… visual and verbal information are processed and stored independently by the brain, and therefore using both systems essentially brings "two minds" to the memory task." (Feist, Rosenberg, Stamp, & Poole, 2016) Two mnemonic devices which I use as part of my daily routine at RMC is abbreviations such as k.I.S.S and the method of loci (MOI) to ensure

(Psych Central Staff, n.d.) According to the American Physiological Society, MOL “relies on spatial relationships between “loci” (e.g., locations on a familiar route or rooms in a familiar building) to arrange and recollect memorial content.” (Qureshi, Rizvi, Syed, Shahid, & Manzoor, 2014). The MOl device has been successfully studied as a mnemonic device; therefore, we correlate the use of it to the differentiation of brain connections of memory gifted athletes. (Dresler, et al., 2017) Every workday that I have been a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, I had used the MOL to ensure that when I went to work nothing was forgotten. Through practice, I have refined my lucid visualisations. Most of my MOL scenarios involved the travelling around a house, putting the required items in a duffel bag. For example, when physical training was on the schedule, then my visualisation would be the

An acronym is formed from the first or multiple letters to form a word or phrase. (Psych Central Staff, n.d.) Since acronyms can vary in complexity, grade school educators teach students frequently teach important words or phases base on education level. For example, in elementary children learn “ROY G. BIV” to memorise the colours of the rainbow, and university students use “Paul Clark Our Friendly Grief Spreader” to remember taxonomy groupings Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus and Species. As a student, I must remind myself through the famous abbreviation mnemonic coined from Kelly Johnson: K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple Stupid). Over complexity often can self-sabotage memory. Due to having previous adult life experiences before coming to RMC, I read into questions too deeply and over complicate it. The complication can defeat the intention of an assignment. According to Kelly Johnson’s biography, he lived by this motto while designing historically advanced aeroplanes as the lead engineer at Lockheed’s Skunk Works. (Rich, 1995) This saying was not the result of Mr Johnson thinking that anyone he oversaw was stupid, it was because complexity can cause a high risk of systems