Encoding Effects & Memory Strength (Parts 5 and 6)

These flashcards cover key concepts related to encoding effects and memory strength, such as the Generation Effect, desirable difficulties, the Spacing Effect, and the Testing Effect.

The Generation Effect

Info you generate is remembered better than info you read.

Desirable Difficulties

Introducing difficulty at encoding improves long-term retention.

The Spacing Effect

Spaced practice is more effective than massed practice for learning.

Optimal Spacing Rule

Best lag is approximately 20% of total retention interval.

The Testing Effect

Testing improves memory retention and is more effective than additional study.

Encoding Variability

Each study event occurs in a new context, providing more retrieval cues.

Study-Phase Retrieval

Re-encountering info triggers prior retrieval, strengthening memory trace.

Example of the Generation Effect

Connecting 'ehaven' to 'heaven' to aid memory retention.

Example of Desirable Difficulties

Better recall for inverted text due to increased effort required.

Study Findings on Testing Effect

Students tested repeatedly remembered more than those who only studied.