What term is used to describe visualizations that aid memory?

Mental images are cognitive representations that arise in the mind and can be crucial for enhancing memory and understanding. They allow individuals to visualize concepts, ideas, or information, thus making them easier to recall later. This process is often referred to as "visualization," which is particularly effective in aiding memory retention and recall because it creates a mental picture that the brain can easily access.

In educational contexts, mental images help learners approach complex information by transforming abstract concepts into more tangible forms, facilitating comprehension and retention. This is why mental images are frequently employed in various teaching methods and learning strategies.

The other options, while related to visual representation, do not specifically focus on aiding memory through visualization in the same way. Graphs present data relationships, models are tangible representations or simulations, and illustrations provide visual context but may not always facilitate memory as directly as mental images do.