Memory Palace: Method of Loci

The method of loci, also called the memory palace, is a mnemonic device introduced in ancient Roman rhetorical treatises. It relies on memorized spatial (of or relating to facility in perceiving relation of objects) relationships to establish, order and recollect memorial content. The term is most often found in specialized works on psychology, neurobiology, and memory, though it was used in the same general way at least as early as the first half of the nineteenth century in works on rhetoric, logic, and philosophy.

Method of loci is also commonly called the mental walk. In simple terms, it is a method of memory enrichment which uses visualization to organize and recall information. Various memory contest champions claim to use this technique in order to recall faces, digits, and lists of words. These champions' successes have little to do with brain structure or intelligence, but more to do with their technique of using regions of their brain that have to do with spatial learning. These techniques can be learned and utilized by anyone and the younger the learner the more they have an opportunity to develop this skill into a habit.

To use the method of loci bring to mind a familiar building, such as your house. Take a moment to conduct a mental walk through the rooms in your house. Pay particular attention to the details, noticing any imperfections that make your mental images more vivid. Make sure you can move easily from one room to another.

Along your route create a list of "loci":i.e. well defined parts of the room that you can use later to memorize things. A locus can be a door, a bed, an oven, etc. Be sure that you can easily go from locus to locus as you visit the house.

Now, when you are faced with a list of words or ideas to be memorized, you must form visual images for each of the words and place them, in order, on the loci in your route. To recall the words or ideas now you take a mental walk throughout your house, asking yourself, "What is on the living-room door? What's on the bed? What's in the oven?" And so on.

Don't believe that it will work? Let's try! The list that I am about to give you has seven items on it. Before reading the list I want you to choose a place (like suggested above) that is very familiar to you. Got the place? Now imagine at least seven very distinct locations within your familiar place. Got it all? Good! Once you read the list assign the first item to the first location, the second item to the second location, and so on. Take a few moments to really visualize each item in each place.

1. Oranges
2. Bread
3. Chicken
4. Corn
5. Milk
6. Eggs
7. Pop

Now that you have each item assigned to a particular place do a final "walk trough" while vividly picturing your items and location. I'll wait... Got it? Ok, now grab pen and paper (uou will need it later), continue reading, and at the end we will see how well you remember!

The method of loci can be used for much more than simple single concept lists. It can also be used as something of a navigational map through more complex ideas which will come in handy for college students or those studying to give their current career a boost. You basically follow the same steps that I have listed, but instead of assigning single concept words to each location you will assign key words or phrases that are relatable to whatever it is that you are trying to learn.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that the method for memory described in this article is just one method. To fully develop your brains potential it is important to research all methods, find what works for you and use a combination of several methods and of course diet and exercise are vital!

Ready for recall? Without looking at the list given picture your house or building and begin your mental walk again. Can you remember? With your pen and paper recall all that you can from the list of items. Order is relevant since you wanted to match the items in order with the locations. However, to start just remembering all or most of the items is most important. When your list is complete reference it to the list above. Good Luck!