- Tying new information to the pre-existing memories of physical space.
A mental strategy that draws on the
powerful connection to placethat all human share.
It works by associating each item to be remembered with a particular spot found in a familiar place, such as one’s childhood home or current neighbourhood.
On their own, bits of data like the number or suit shown on a playing card are quickly forgotten. But when linked to a physical place we know well, that same information can be durably integrated into memory.
All of us possess this powerful place-based memory system simply by virtue of being human—but some, like Ben Pridmore and his memory champion peers, make far better use of it. The rest of us can learn to do what they do.
Associating information to be learned with a sense of physical space can help people remember in real-world situations too.