What the Research Says

Dual coding combines verbal information with visual representations. When you create a diagram of Maslow’s hierarchy alongside written notes, your brain stores the information in two ways — making it easier to retrieve. Paivio’s Dual Coding Theory (1986) showed that combining words and images produces stronger memories than either alone. For Health & Social Care, visual representations of PIES development, care pathways, and life stages are particularly effective.

Step-by-Step Method

1. 1
   Choose a topic — Select a topic with clear relationships — e.g. PIES development across life stages.
2. 2
   Draw a diagram — Create a visual: a flow chart for care pathways, a pyramid for Maslow, or a table for PIES.
3. 3
   Add key terms — Label your diagram with precise terminology. Include definitions alongside the visual.
4. 4
   Test yourself — Cover the labels and try to recall them from the diagram alone.
5. 5
   Refine — Redraw the diagram from memory. Compare with the original and fix gaps.

When and How Often

About 25 minutes per topic. Works especially well for PIES, Maslow’s hierarchy, and care pathways.

Common Mistakes

• ❌
  Making it too pretty — The purpose is learning, not art. Simple, clear diagrams work best.
• ❌
  Copying without thinking — Drawing from your notes is passive. Draw from memory first, then check.
• ❌
  Skipping the labels — A diagram without key terms is just a picture. Always include precise terminology.