Theories of Representation

They say two heads are better than one and I suppose , having two codes to represent knowledge is more advantageous than just relying on one code . Visual and verbal codes of representations enable the mind to have a more vivid memory of the information or concept that needs to be recalled (Kosslyn , Ganis Thompson , 2001 . For example , if I need to remember directions in going to my friend 's place in a city I am visiting for the second time , I could easily visualize the appearance of the streets , the stores in the

neighborhood and the location of my friend 's house , at the same time , this picture in my head can be validated by the verbal codes of the names of the street , the signage in the stores and a landmark in the neighborhood . If I relied only on visual codes , the appearance of suburban homes in a large neighborhood would be similar and I would have difficulty ascertaining which one is my friend 's place , on the other hand , if I only used verbal codes , then I have to spend the day going around the neighborhood reading each street sign until I get to the right street

Likewise , using both verbal and visual cues aid in remembering texts and information needed to successfully pass a test or an examination . Verbal codes are words , and when we memorize concepts and information , it is by memorizing the words , phrases and even sentences and paragraphs . Visual codes refer to pictures or our mental representations of what we have seen (Neath Suprenant , 2003 . I study using my notes and outline of a particular subject , I read my notes , I read the book and I found out that I seem to remember more if I visualize the position of the text as I read it , or the kind of pen I used or even the color of the . It helped me remember information I have missed if I rely on verbal codes alone , since we know that our capacity to remember words are very small .Moreover , I find that children and even adults learn more when they are presented with information using rich media , the use of the computer and even direct instruction uses both verbal and visual cues (Kurtz , Gentner Gunn , 1999 . Spelling programs in the computer present a series of letters and the child has to arrange the letters to spell the word correctly , the word is represented by a corresponding picture and when a child is confronted with the picture , she would associate the word to it and vice versa . For adults , skills training usually are hands on experiential or involve modeling behavior or role playing . The learners are given input or materials in text to describe , define and understand the specific skill to be learned , the teacher then demonstrates the skill , which would be committed to memory facilitating the learning of new skills (Pylyshyn , 2002 . An example is the use of machinery , if the new employee works with...