VR Memory Palaces: Can Walking Improve Memorization?

Abstract

The method of loci is an ancient, tried and tested mnemonic technique, utilizing human spatial awareness to remember large amounts of non-spatial information.Though traditionally performed in the mind, imagined walking through a memory palace utilizes parts of the brain primarily used for visuospatial cognition. Studies comparing method of loci accuracy in VR to traditional screens have shown promising results. However, most previous work has neglected the potential importance of large scale movement. To determine if large scale physical movement during execution of loci would increase its effectiveness we performed a within-subject study. We developed a prototype virtual reality system in which two virtual environments were built; one for standing still and the other for moving through, allowing for natural locomotion on a large scale. In a 7140 square meter football stadium, nine participants performed the method of loci with 32 items in which virtual items were physically moved around the memory palace. Afterwards they were instructed to use loci to recall the items. Two months later, the participants repeated the experiment, this time standing still and moving items at a distance. Both sessions included a written memorization test to potentially recreate results of similar studies. We were not able to prove any statistically significant difference between the two conditions (p=0.2353). However, we were able to observe a statistically significant difference in performance in VR as compared to traditional desktop use. We make the case that large scale navigation aids immersion and does not become a distracting factor. We also gathered empirical insights into participants’ choices, leading us to propose a new, improved method to better understandthis topic.