What type of mnemonic device uses the first letter of each word in a list to create a new word?

What type of mnemonic device uses the first letter of each word in a list to create a new word?

• A. Acrostic
• B. Imagery
• C. Acronym
• D. Keyword

Answer: (C)

The type of mnemonic device that uses the first letter of each word in a list to create a new word is an acronym. Acronyms help in memory retention by forming a single, easily recalled word from the initial letters of a series of words or phrases, making it simpler to remember the original list. For example, the acronym "HOMES" can be used to remember the Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior. In contrast, an acrostic involves creating a sentence where each word starts with the first letter of the items to remember, which produces a phrase rather than a single word. Imagery refers to the use of visual representations to enhance memory, while a keyword technique involves associating a new word with a similar-sounding word or image. Each of these methods serves different purposes in learning and memory retention, but the specific technique described in the question is best represented by acronyms.

The type of mnemonic device that uses the first letter of each word in a list to create a new word is an acronym. Acronyms help in memory retention by forming a single, easily recalled word from the initial letters of a series of words or phrases, making it simpler to remember the original list. For example, the acronym "HOMES" can be used to remember the Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior.

In contrast, an acrostic involves creating a sentence where each word starts with the first letter of the items to remember, which produces a phrase rather than a single word. Imagery refers to the use of visual representations to enhance memory, while a keyword technique involves associating a new word with a similar-sounding word or image. Each of these methods serves different purposes in learning and memory retention, but the specific technique described in the question is best represented by acronyms.