Give abstract ideas a concrete image

Invent a vivid mental picture for ideas that have no natural visual.

Why it works

Abstract concepts default to verbal-only storage, the weaker single channel. Deliberately inventing a concrete image — even an arbitrary or absurd one — gives the idea a visual trace it would not otherwise have. Concrete, imageable material is reliably remembered better than abstract material, and a self-generated image makes the link personal and sticky.

How to do it

1. For an abstract term, invent a concrete scene or object that stands in for it.
2. Make the image vivid, specific, and a little exaggerated so it sticks.
3. Recall the image first when you need the concept, then unpack its meaning.

Evidence

The concreteness and imagery effects are well supported in memory research: concrete, imageable words and self-generated mental images are recalled better than abstract verbal material, a core prediction of dual coding theory. (rct)

Images aid memory for the link but can distort meaning if the chosen picture misrepresents the concept; the image must point back to the real idea.

Sources

• Paivio (1971), dual coding theory (concreteness and imagery effects)

Common mistake

Concluding that abstract material "just has to be memorized" and grinding it verbally, instead of manufacturing the concrete image that would give it a second channel.