The Picmonic^® Learning System: enhancing memory retention of medical sciences, using an audiovisual mnemonic Web-based learning platform

Figures & data

Figure 1 Screenshot of the Picmonic^® Learning System.

Notes: This example topic is rhinovirus, which is portrayed by the rhino characters with virus-like legs. The Picmonic^® Card includes major attributes of the topic, which are listed in the left pane. Each attribute is incorporated into the picture in a creative and memorable manner and is associated with salient information. For example, one attribute of rhinovirus is that it is a picornavirus, which is represented by the pickle corn character. A story sequence portrayed by the picture then binds the attributes of the topic together.

Table 1 Mean scores by test

Test	Control group (n=41), mean (SD)	Picmonic^® Learning System group (n=46), mean (SD)
Pretest	0.78 (1.29)	0.74 (1.20)
Session 1: free-recall	19.37 (8.75)	31.91 (8.74)
Session 1: paired matching	10.71 (4.23)	15.96 (2.72)
Session 2: free-recall	7.98 (5.38)	20.83 (8.23)
Session 2: multiple choice	7.80 (2.70)	12.13 (2.30)
Session 2: paired matching	8.41 (3.31)	12.85 (3.25)
Session 3: free-recall	7.32 (6.51)	22.52 (8.69)
Session 3: paired matching	2.78 (1.72)	11.98 (3.11)

Abbreviation: SD, standard deviation.

Table 2 Difference in mean scores between the Picmonic^® Learning System and control groups

Test	Mean score differencea	t-test score	Mean score percentage differenceb
Pretest	−0.04	−0.15	−5%
Session 1: free-recall	12.55c	6.68c	65%
Session 1: paired matching	5.25c	6.80c	49%
Session 2: free-recall	12.85c	8.71c	161%
Session 2: multiple choice	4.33c	7.98c	55%
Session 2: paired matching	6.15c	6.29c	53%
Session 3: free-recall	15.21c	9.30c	208%
Session 3: paired matching	10.38c	17.32c	331%

Notes:

a Experimental group mean–control group mean

b (experimental group mean–control group mean)/control group mean

c statistically significant at the level P<0.001.

Table 3 Satisfaction survey

Survey questionsa	Control group, mean (SD)	PLS group, mean (SD)	Mean score difference
Using this educational resource, I was able to recall the information well	2.44 (0.84)	4.41 (0.62)	1.97b
Studying with this resource is an efficient use of my study time	2.41 (0.92)	4.36 (0.74)	1.94b
The presentation of the material did not keep me focused	4.15 (0.88)	2.24 (1.18)	−1.91b
Using this resource, I was able to remember complex information well	2.24 (0.99)	4.02 (0.75)	1.78b
The presentation of material was boring	4.12 (1.05)	1.72 (0.89)	−2.40b
The given resource failed to present the information in a memorable fashion	3.93 (0.98)	1.74 (0.71)	−2.19b
I had a satisfying study experience	2.00 (0.92)	4.35 (0.67)	2.35b
This is an inefficient way to study complex information	3.66 (1.15)	2.57 (1.33)	−1.09b
I would look forward to studying more with this type of resource	1.85 (0.88)	4.40 (0.81)	2.55b
Using the given resource, I was able to maintain focus	1.93 (0.89)	4.11 (0.83)	2.19b
This study resource was ineffective in helping me remember the information presented	3.71 (1.01)	1.69 (0.87)	−2.02b
I feel like I am going to forget about many of these topics after today	4.56 (0.59)	2.76 (1.07)	−1.81b

Notes:

a All questions are on the 5-point Likert rating scale

b statistically significant at the level P<0.001.

Abbreviations: SD, standard deviation; PLS, Picmonic^® Learning System.

Video 1 ROC analysis of SUA baseline values.

Walkthrough of a Picmonic^® sample card. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJoU-uy9nkY.