The mnemonic peg system, invented by Henry Herdson, is a memory aid that works by creating mental associations between two concrete objects in a one-to-one fashion that will later be applied to to-be-remembered information. Typically this involves linking nouns to numbers and it is common practice to choose a noun that rhymes with the number it is associated with. The major system is more complicated to learn than simple rhymes or alphabetic pegs, because it associates numbers 0-9 with a specific letter or sound, then larger numbers can combine to create words out of the sounds.

  • 0 = s, x, z
  • 1 = t, d
  • 2 = n
  • 3 = m
  • 4 = r
  • 5 = l
  • 6 = sh, ch, j, soft g
  • 7 = c, k, hard g, q
  • 8 = f, v
  • 9 = p, b

This would make the number 33 "MM" which could be made into the word "mom" to better aid in memorization or 92 is "PN" and could become "pen."

Several studies have investigated the use of this memory mnemonic as a form of an imagery-based memory system within the process of learning a second-language.  For example, if a native English speaker is attempting to learn Spanish, he will notice that the Spanish for duck is pato, which is pronounced similarly to the English word pot.  The individual can develop a mnemonic peg system in order to remember this association by thinking of a duck with a pot on its head.

One complaint concerning the peg system is that it seems to only be applicable in mundane situations. However, the peg system can be used to remember grocery lists, key points in speeches, and many other lists specific to one's particular area of study or interest. Many recognise that this system can be used to remember a wide variety of objects or information. The peg system works, so long as the information trying to be remembered is specific, able to be visualized, and tied to a unique retrieval cue. This tool of memory can be more efficient than rote memorization.

See also

  • Method of loci
  • Mnemonic link system
  • Mnemonic major system
  • Mnemonic dominic system
  • Mnemonic goroawase system
  • Haraguchi's mnemonic system
  • Linkword
  • Memory sport

References

Making pegs from rhymes:

  • Human Memory (in Dutch)
  • Memory Improvement and Learning Information

Making pegs from shapes:

  • Human Memory (in Dutch)
  • Memory Improvement and Learning Information

Alphabet Pegs:

  • Human Memory (in Dutch)

Major system peg list

  • Numzi Peg Words for 0 - 100, with Peg Word Story
  • Peglist Tutorial
  • Very personalized Peg list. Up to 100
  • Peg list up to 1000 pegs