The Importance of Image Formation Time in Image-Aided Methods for Word Memorization

Abstract

The present study investigated whether the length of time subjects are allowed for image formation in image-aided word-memorization protocols influences recall. To this end, we selected 363 high-school students who were presented with a list of 24 words to be learned by the rote method, an image-aided method with normal image, or an image-aided method with bizarre image; the time allowed for image formation was 10, 20, or 40 seconds. Recall was then evaluated immediately after the test and 1 day later. Each subject participated in only 1 experimental condition. Our results indicate that both immediate and delayed free recall were significantly better in the image-aided groups than in the rote groups. Considering the image-aided groups, both immediate and delayed recall were affected by image type used and image presentation time, with recall significantly better in the 40-second group than in the other 2 groups. Significant differences were also detected between the image types.