Which memorization technique uses a vivid image formed from the sounds of words?

The keyword method is a powerful memorization technique that leverages the creation of vivid images in conjunction with sounds of words to aid in recall. This strategy involves identifying a "keyword" that sounds similar to the word or concept you want to remember. By generating a mental image that links the keyword with the meaning of the target word, you can create a more memorable association.

For example, if you wanted to remember the Spanish word "embarazada," meaning 'pregnant', you might choose the English word "embarrassed" as your keyword. Then, you could visualize a scenario where someone is embarrassed because they are unexpectedly pregnant. This mental imagery enhances retention by utilizing the phonetic similarities and visual memory pathways, reinforcing the connection between the keyword and the concept.

Other techniques listed, while useful in their own right, do not focus explicitly on the combination of vivid imagery and sound. The retelling method emphasizes repetition and recounting, the associative method typically links ideas through relational concepts rather than sounds, and the outline method organizes information hierarchically without relying on phonetic representations. Thus, the keyword method stands out as the effective choice for cultivating strong memory associations through sound and imagery.