Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

What type of memory technique involves visualizing locations to remember information?

1. Chunking

2. Eidetic memory

3. Method of loci

4. Acronyms

The correct answer is: Method of loci

The Method of loci is a mnemonic device that leverages spatial memory to enhance recall. This technique involves associating the information to be remembered with specific locations or landmarks along a familiar path. By mentally walking through these locations, the individual can retrieve the information linked to each place. This method capitalizes on the brain's natural ability to remember spatial environments more effectively than abstract or disconnected information. In practice, this could involve visualizing a familiar route, such as from home to school, and placing items or concepts you want to remember at specific points along that route. This not only helps in organizing the information but also makes it more vivid and memorable. The other options represent different mnemonic strategies that do not utilize visualization of physical spaces to the same extent. For example, chunking involves breaking down large amounts of information into smaller, manageable units. Eidetic memory refers to a person's ability to recall images, sounds, or objects in great detail after only a brief exposure, but it is more innate than a learned technique. Acronyms involve forming a memorable word or phrase using the first letters of the items to be remembered, which does not employ spatial visualization.