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The memorability of a mnemonic device is often enhanced by its vividness or unusualness. Creating a striking or peculiar mental image or association can make the information easier to recall.

Effectiveness of Vivid and Unusual Mnemonics

A student is trying to memorize the order of the Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior. They consider two different memory aids. 

Aid 1: Creating the acronym HOMES. 
Aid 2: Creating a mental image of their 'HOME' on a 'SUPERIOR' hill, overlooking a lake where they see a hairy 'HURON' tribe member driving an 'ERIE'-looking car made of 'ONTARIO' peaches. 

Which aid is likely to be more effective for long-term recall, and why?

A student is trying to memorize the first five elements of the periodic table in order: Hydrogen, Helium, Lithium, Beryllium, Boron. To ensure the best chance of long-term recall, which of the following memorization strategies should they choose?

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