Verbal Mediation

Synonyms

Inner speech; Private speech

Definition

Verbal mediation is private speech that facilitates learning and problem solving. Speech produced via verbal mediation can be either subvocal or uttered aloud; in either case, the speech is intended for the speaker, not an outside listener. Further, although verbal mediation can be accessible to conscious awareness, it is often automatic and implicit. Verbal mediation strategies increase with the development of fluent language. Although a verbal process, verbal mediation also improves performance on visuospatial and motor tasks. This process was identified early in the study of learning and memory.

Current Knowledge

Examples of Verbal Mediation

The act of labeling is a simple form of verbal mediation. For example, in an early study of verbal mediation, memory for nonsense shapes was facilitated when the shapes were given names. The grammatical structure of language also facilitates learning and memory. In a paired-associates task, where...