Submission Type
Poster
Abstract
One useful mnemonic technique that can improve memory retention is the production effect: the finding that information is better remembered when it is actively produced (i.e., spoken aloud or signed) than when it is passively received (i.e., read silently). Regarding how signing can help memory, we developed a study to investigate how the “iconicity” of signs could help memory. Iconicity is the extent to which the form of a sign resembles its meaning. For example, in ASL, the sign for "book" involves holding a closed, imaginary book with both hands, and then opening it with a quick flick of the wrists. The sign for “book” is much more iconic than the sign for other words, such as “justice” or “parent”, because the forms of these signs do not resemble its meaning. We hypothesize that one of the reasons signing may be a highly effective mnemonic is that many signs are iconic of their referent words, meaning that signing can be thought of as “acting out” a word or action. In our study, subjects were shown a list of words that varied in ratings of iconicity (high or low), signed some of the words. Later, their memory for these words were tested. Our results suggest that iconic signs were indeed easier to remember than non-iconic words however, this effect held true for both signed and non-signed items. Overall, iconicity may thus enhance memory, but also may not depend on signing, a concept we are exploring with further research in the lab.
Recommended Citation
Ozubko, Jason, "344-Miming Makes it Memorable? Investigating the Role of Iconic Signs in Memory" (2024). GREAT Day Posters. 93.
https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/great-day-symposium/great-day-2024/posters-2024/93
344-Miming Makes it Memorable? Investigating the Role of Iconic Signs in Memory
One useful mnemonic technique that can improve memory retention is the production effect: the finding that information is better remembered when it is actively produced (i.e., spoken aloud or signed) than when it is passively received (i.e., read silently). Regarding how signing can help memory, we developed a study to investigate how the “iconicity” of signs could help memory. Iconicity is the extent to which the form of a sign resembles its meaning. For example, in ASL, the sign for "book" involves holding a closed, imaginary book with both hands, and then opening it with a quick flick of the wrists. The sign for “book” is much more iconic than the sign for other words, such as “justice” or “parent”, because the forms of these signs do not resemble its meaning. We hypothesize that one of the reasons signing may be a highly effective mnemonic is that many signs are iconic of their referent words, meaning that signing can be thought of as “acting out” a word or action. In our study, subjects were shown a list of words that varied in ratings of iconicity (high or low), signed some of the words. Later, their memory for these words were tested. Our results suggest that iconic signs were indeed easier to remember than non-iconic words however, this effect held true for both signed and non-signed items. Overall, iconicity may thus enhance memory, but also may not depend on signing, a concept we are exploring with further research in the lab.