Face-Name Mnemonics: The effects of Abstract and Concrete Keywords on Recall

Abstract: This experiment calls into question whether concrete keywords (name clues) provide the best memory cues when used in the face-name mnemonic strategy. 67 students from Missouri State University were given training on how to use the face-name mnemonic strategy via the Qualtric survey program. Later they were asked to study and memorize 30 face-name pairs. These face-name pairs were presented with either a concrete or abstract keyword that was similar to the name to be learned. Participants later took a test on the face-name pairs. It was found that concrete keywords provided significantly better recall of face-name pairs. In addition, the Qualtric survey program records the latency or response time subject takes on each test item. It was found that participant’s response time was significantly longer for items paired with abstract keywords. Also, participant’s spent significantly longer time on items they got wrong. Participants were also administered Operational Span Task (OSPAN) a computerized test that measures working memory abilities. It was found that OSPAN had poor predictive validity in determining how many items each participant would get correct on the face-name test.