2.4 encoding memories

mnemonic devices

Memory aids, especially those techniques that use vivid imagery and organizational techniques

method of loci

A mnemonic device involving picturing objects within a familiar physical place, and using the imagery of that place to recall the information later on

chunking

Organizing items into familiar, manageable units; often occurs automatically

categorization

An encoding technique based on arranging pieces of information into smaller groups, perhaps based on similar characteristics

hierarchies

A semantic encoding technique based on considering the relationships between the pieces of information you are trying to remember

the spacing effect

The tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better long-term retention than is achieved through massed study or practice

massed practice

Intensive studying for a short period of time (“cramming”) that may produce short-term retention but is less likely to produce long-term results

distributed practice

Spreading studying efforts into many smaller sessions over a longer period of time; more likely to aid long-term recall

serial position effect

Our tendency to recall best the first and last items in a list

primacy effect

Our tendency to recall best the first items in a list after a delay

recency effect

Our tendency to recall best the last items in a list, at least initially