Glossary / Lexicon

Elaboration principle refers to the tendency for groups to expand as members form dyadic associations with someone who is not in the group and thereby draw the non-member into the group.

The elaboration principle is a theory in psychology that suggests that people are more likely to remember information that is meaningful and personally relevant to them. The principle emphasizes the importance of elaborative encoding, which involves linking new information to existing knowledge in a meaningful way.

Here are some examples of how the elaboration principle can be applied:

1. Mnemonic devices: One way to use the elaboration principle is to create mnemonic devices that help you remember information by linking it to something you already know. For example, to remember the order of the planets in our solar system, you might use the mnemonic "My very eager mother just served us nine pizzas," where each word represents a planet in order (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto).

2. Personal connections: Another way to use the elaboration principle is to make personal connections to the information you are trying to remember. For example, if you are studying history, you might relate the events you are studying to your own family history or personal experiences to help you remember them better.

3. Visual imagery: The elaboration principle can also be used to create vivid mental images that help you remember information. For example, to remember a list of items, you might create a mental image that incorporates each item in a memorable way.

4. Active engagement: Finally, the elaboration principle emphasizes the importance of active engagement with the information you are trying to remember. Rather than simply reading or listening passively, you should actively engage with the information by asking questions, making connections, and elaborating on key points.

Overall, the elaboration principle is a useful tool for improving memory and retention of information. By linking new information to existing knowledge and making personal connections to the material, you can enhance your ability to remember and recall important information.