What is the effect of visual imagery in memory recall?

Visual imagery significantly enhances the clarity of recalled information, which makes it easier for individuals to retrieve specific details from their memory. When people create mental images related to the information they are trying to remember, they engage additional cognitive processes that strengthen memory consolidation and retrieval. This is often observed in studies where participants who utilize visual imagery are able to recall information with greater accuracy and vividness than those who do not. This technique serves to create strong associations between the visualized images and the actual content, facilitating a more efficient retrieval process.

This contrasts with other options, where decreasing information retention or relying solely on auditory cues does not align with the established understanding of how visual imagery works in memory. Additionally, suggesting that there is no effect disregards substantial research indicating the powerful role of visual imagery in enhancing memory performance.