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Study Skills Handout
Mnemonic Devices (Memory Tricks)

The handout below is just one of the many handouts available at the Tutoring Center. If you are having trouble with study skills of any kind, or if you have questions about study skills that are not addressed here, stop in the Student Commons Building, Room 1300, at the Normal campus and talk to a tutor. He/she can provide additional handouts, help you recognize your strengths and weaknesses and help you formulate a plan to develop effective study strategies. Find out when tutors for various courses are available in Pontiac or Lincoln by contacting the receptionist in Pontiac (815-842-6777) or Lincoln (217-735-1731).

Mnemonic Devices (Memory Tricks)

Mnemonic devices are aids for improving one's memory. These devices can be much more efficient than learning by simple repetition. Mnemonic devices are more effective because they generally attach new information to already?mastered information, or to catchwords and phrases that are more easily remembered. You are probably familiar with some common mnemonic devices in use today.

Procedures for developing catchwords/phrases:

1. Present information to be learned. Underline the first letter of each word.
2. Devise a word or phrase (nonsense or meaningful) using each letter underlined.

Catchword Example :

The four symptoms of schizophrenia in psychology are:

1. Withdrawal
2. Hallucinations
3. Inappropriate emotional response
4. Delusions

Catchword: WHID

Catchphrase Example:

The seven diatomic molecules in chemistry are: Bromine, Hydrogen, Chlorine, Fluorine, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Iodine.

Catchphrase: Brian helps Clair find out new ideas.

If a series of phrases needs to be learned, ask students to first circle the key or most significant word in each phrase. Then underline the first letter of key word and form the catchword/phrase as outlined below.

Series Catchprase Example:

Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of basic human needs in psychology.

1. Biological needs
2. Safety needs
3. Need for companionship
4. Esteem needs
5. Need for self-actualization

Catchphrase: Bob sings clearly each afternoon.

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Adapted from Supplemental Instruction materials prepared at Onodaga Community College in Syracuse, NY