Spontaneous Use of Mnemonics and Grade Point Average

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Abstract
Bower has suggested that superior students make more use of mnemonics than less talented students. The present study tested this thesis in 76 men and women college students. Recall of nouns was compared in two groups: (a) experimental Ss instructed to use a mnemonic (the method of loci) and (b) control Ss given no specific instructions on how to recall the words. The Ss using the method of loci had significantly better recall than the control Ss not instructed to use any mnemonic technique. However, a questionnaire given to the control group revealed that almost half had actually used mnemonic devices on their own. These Ss were significantly better students (as measured by grade point average) than those control Ss not using mnemonics; they also recalled the lists as well as the experimental Ss. Thus, the spontaneous use of mnemonics, which is an effective learning strategy, was shown to be associated with academic performance.

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