Examining the Influence of Perceptual Discrepancy for Visual Information on Memory Consolidation Using the Method of Loci

In this paper, we show the results of examining what kind of information should be visualized in VR to improve the usability and effectiveness of the Method of Loci (MoL), a memory method that associates memory targets with familiar locations. Previous studies have explored the use of VR in memory tasks employing the MoL. However, the effectiveness of VR remains inconsistent. Because it is insufficient control of how to use VR across studies, due to it is not clear what kind of visual information is utilized during memorization. Therefore, we conducted an experiment based on the hypothesis that the perceptual discrepancies caused by visual attributes that differ from reality in visualized locations improve the effectiveness of the MoL. In the experiment, based on a VR environment modeled after a familiar location, three conditions were set up: VR with the same color as reality, completely white VR, and VR with different colors. Also, Eye movements during memorization were measured using a wearable eye tracker, Tobii Pro Glasses 3. As a result, it was confirmed that VR-based information visualization significantly enhanced the usability of the MoL. While color differences were impressive information that attracted attention, they may not be useful for association linking memory targets with locations.