Title: Intrinsic memorability of symbols: Visual features, processing efficiency, or both?
Brady Roberts, Post-doctoral scholar in the Bainbridge Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Chicago
Abstract: Recent work has begun to evaluate the memorability of everyday visual symbols as a new way to understand how abstract concepts are processed in memory. Symbols were previously found to be highly memorable, especially relative to words, but it remained unclear what was driving their heightened memorability. In this exploratory, conversational presentation I will offer evidence that memorable visual attributes as well as processing efficiency might have roles to play symbol memory. In the first section, I will detail a study whereby we explored which features predict memory for conventional symbols (e.g., !@#$%). We then used an artificial image generator to form novel symbols while accentuating or downplaying predictive features to create a set of memorable and forgettable symbols, respectively. In a separate study, we tested memory for conventional symbols in a group of individuals with aphantasia (the inability to form mental images). Based on the results of these two studies, I will review arguments for why visual attributes, processing efficiency, or perhaps both might be driving intrinsic memorability of symbols.
Time: 10/30/24 3:30 PM
Location: Biopsychological Sciences Building atrium
If you have any questions, requests, and concerns, please contact Nakwon Rim (nwrim [at] uchicago [dot] edu) or Cambria Revsine (crevsine [at] uchicago [dot] edu).