The Picture Superiority Effect (PSE) is a cognitive phenomenon that describes the tendency for pictures and images to be remembered better than words. This effect manifests when people can recall information with greater accuracy and detail if it is presented as images rather than text. The PSE is a well-established phenomenon in the memory literature and has been attributed to dual coding, conceptual distinctiveness, and physical distinctiveness.
A recent study tested the physical-distinctiveness account of picture superiority. The study found that increasing the distinctiveness of words and/or reducing the physical variability of pictures should reduce or eliminate the picture superiority effect. The results were consistent with the distinctiveness prediction and, notably, were inconsistent with dual coding.
The PSE is found with many tests, including free recall, cued recall, serial recall and reconstruction, and paired-associate learning. A study tested memory for 612 colour pictures and 540 words. The test showed two pictures (or words) simultaneously, one of which had been in the study phase and one of which was new. Whereas subjects correctly identified the old words 88.4% of the time, they correctly identified the old pictures 96.7% of the time.
In the real world, the PSE has many applications. For instance, images are more effective in advertising than text in conveying messages and creating brand awareness. In education, the use of visual aids such as diagrams, charts, and graphs can help students learn and retain information better. In medicine, the use of images can help doctors diagnose and treat patients more accurately.
The Picture Superiority Effect is a well-established phenomenon in the memory literature. The physical-distinctiveness account of picture superiority has been shown to be a valid explanation for the PSE. This means that it’s important to consider the PSE when designing materials for these fields.