Word/Picture Associations:
We can see how we might use word/picture associations by using the IRQ table from the A+ exam objectives as an example. By using word or picture associations you form a mental image of the information that you wish to learn with a word or picture that you can associate it with. You can be as ludicrous with your associations as you wish – in fact, the more bizarre or silly the better as it will help to reinforce the association. Here are some examples to illustrate the point:
And so on.IRQ 5 = LPT2 – normally used for Soundcards
A ‘5’ looks like an ‘S’, ‘S’ is for ‘Soundcard’.
IRQ 8 = Real Time clock
The figure ‘8’ looks like an egg timer. An egg timer is a clock.
IRQ13 = Math co-processor.
The number 13 is considered unlucky for some, and perhaps math was an unlucky subject for you.
Basically you want to try to associate the key information with images or words/phrases that mean something to you. Quite often the first thing, no matter how stupid that comes into your head is the easiest thing to recall. Many memory improvement courses are based around the concept of being able to quickly make word/picture associations so that a 'storyboard' can be created in the mind to store difficult snippets of information, like long telephone numbers etc.
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