re: Tests, theses and papers

[P3D Larry Berlin <lberlin@xxxxxxxxx>]

Gabriel Jacob writes:
>....snip .... Never thought about the 3d aspect relating to memory
>but that is another very important factor in memory retention or
>mnemonics. .....  snip .......  With slightly more advanced mnemonic
>systems you could even recite the list backwards or name them in any
>order, example by position in the list.
>
>...........  snip   .......................This is the second key
>to remembering the list, association. Association links the things in the
>list to each other and creates a story. Anyways you get the point and as I
>don't want to write a paper, will try to keep it short!  All I would like 
>to POINT OUT (imagine my finger sticking out at you in 3d) is that the 3d
>aspect is very important. Remember above the retracing of the path in the
>house? This is done in 3d dimensions, perspective as well as stereoscopically.
>The latter is not usually emphasized in mnemonic literature but as we in this
>group are keenly aware of it, we can use this added dimension to further 
>etch the experience in our minds. BTW I think Larry Berlin would be a
>good candidate or test subject for this test, as he lives and dreams in
>3d. Larry was do you think? ;-)
>
>Gabriel
>

I've read about the mnemonic systems but have never taught myself to use
them as a system. From what I've read, it seems that they used a very 3D
model, usually buildings. Monks used to create cathedrals in their mind in
which to store all the bits and pieces of information. Cathedrals had lots
of little alcoves, small rooms, altars, and various other spaces with
definite spatial relationships. In our age, we understand this to be a form
of *virtual reality*, which of course isn't a new thing at all, just a new
understanding and a technical application of the concept.

Thinking in 3D isn't unique to the P3D group. It's very much a part of most
people's thought patterns without being consciously examined. We have grown
up with mostly 2D images around us and so our thoughts are used to the
experience of flat images as related to physical reality. In our minds we
use a more complex 3D model. Just for a moment think of the small items you
may have stashed away in a drawer somewhere, fingernail clippers, combs,
scissors, pens, rulers, etc. If at any time you decide you need these items,
your mind immediately gives you a sensation of the physical space in which
you stashed it.

Once you start using 3D imagery and exploring your reactions and feelings
from using them, you start to understand and become more aware of these
hidden patterns. It's realtively easy to think and dream in 3D once you
start doing it consciously. It's already there on the subconscious. This may
be one of the areas that makes a difference for some people who are trying
to learn free-viewing. They are trying to absorb the intellectualness of 3D
but their internal image model is still in 2D mode. It's like knowing that
math provides a nice neat abstract model of our physical reality, yet being
unable to figure out what Trigonometry or Calculus is all about. Give that
same person a lump of clay and they can fashion any number of complex forms
from memory, yet would not be able to do the math to express the same
objects. I'm extremely happy that computers are good at the math. Substitute
3D photos and images for the clay and you have the learning tools for the
general public to use in figuring it out, experientially.

I doubt that I would be a good candidate for testing the idea of improved
retention with 3D imagery, other than being one person who could benefit
from it. Scientific testing would call for a large number of persons to
experience it and evaluate the results. Along side a test group that used
flat images for the same process. One potential problem with this test is
that in the mind we can organize the 2D images in a variety of ways that
might be a close equivalent to actual 3D images. The test would have to be
designed to account for our 3D brains. I believe that 3D images would help,
even if it's only by providing more relationships in a single image for
mnemonic association. 

What might be interesting would be a large collection of all the *benefits*,
no matter how inconsequential, that potentially derive from the use of 3D
images. I don't know if anyone has actually compiled such a comprehensive
list. If they have, no doubt a few moments thought (with our collective 3D
heads) would reveal a few that were left out.

Ultimately it's the inner 3D model that most people use that is the real
driving force behind 3D imaging's relative popularity. If you question
whether or not it's popular, just look how beneficial the computer imaging
industry thinks the term *3D* is! Despite the fact that they are usually
only referring to 2 1/2 D. There is a strong satisfaction factor in images
that provide a feeling of shape and space, however that feeling is provided.

Larry Berlin

Email: lberlin@xxxxxxxxx
http://www.sonic.net/~lberlin/
http://3dzine.simplenet.com/


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