On the Acquisition of Mnemonic Skill: Application of Skilled Memory Theory

Skilled memory theory ( W. G. Chase & K. A. Ericsson, 1981 , 1982 ) can provide a useful theoretical framework for describing the details of performance during the acquisition of mnemonic skill, one that can point to the critical conditions necessary for the successful acquisition of mnemonic skills (in particular) and cognitive skills (in general). To provide support for this suggestion, the authors describe the results of an extended investigation of the uninstructed development of mnemonic skill in a group of normal adults. This study demonstrated that high levels of serial recall performance can be reliably developed in a group of individuals in a relatively short period of time (1 semester). In addition, the process of acquisition and the critical conditions for optimal training outcomes can be well described by the principles of skilled memory theory.