Thesis
Virtual memory palaces: a discursive design to improve recall in older adults
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Jun 2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001060
Abstract
A person's memory often begins to degrade in older age, however the rate and degree of this degradation often varies among individuals. This suggests that there are outside factors to age that can prevent early memory regression. Memory palaces (MP), or the Method of Loci (MoL) technique, are a widely studied mnemonic used for centuries to facilitate the memorization of a wide variety of information. Virtual experiences that replicate memory palace learning have proven to have similar effects to traditional MoL-learning, especially in more immersive settings. Older adults trained to use MoL have shown increased recall of listed information, suggesting it as a mnemonic that can improve memory. Additions such as movement and music while using MoL have demonstrated positive results in older adults as well as providing a group environment for learning. However, many virtual MPs have yet to test other considerations that may make MoL more effective for recall. The visual aspect of virtual MPs has yet to be optimized by way of testing what visuals are truly important to improve recall. Using landmarks is common within virtual MP studies, but the significance of the landmark imagery itself has yet to be determined. Virtual environments that are personalized and meaningful to the MP user have yet to be compared to locations that have been learned recently. This thesis proposes a Virtual Reality (VR) experience design that can test all the above factors while maintaining critical components that will facilitate memory training in older adults in solo or quarantined situations. Using an immersive, customizable virtual environment and interactive waymarks, participants will be able to replicate the MP technique to improve recall, preventing memory degradation in old age through self-training.
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Details
- Title
- Virtual memory palaces
- Creators
- Schuyler Singzon
- Contributors
- Emil Polyak (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- [43] pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Digital Media; Drexel University; Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
- Other Identifier
- 991014695539904721