AP Psychology - Unit 2.4 Encoding Memories

Encoding

the process of getting information into the memory system

• the way information is encoded has a huge impact on whether an individual will be able to remember it later

Visual Encoding

based on how something looks

• example: remembering the color or font of words on a document

Acoustic Encoding

based on how something sounds

• trying to remember information by using rhymes 

Tactile Encoding

based on the feeling of touch

• example: remembering the texture of an item

Organizational Encoding

processing information in terms of a specific sequence

• lists

• groups

• hierarchies 

• relationships

Elaborative Encoding

• an individual pairs new information with previous knowledge

Semantic Encoding

• individual processes the meaning or context of information 

• deepest level of processing'

• leads to a stronger and longer-lasting memory

Semantic Priming

• exposure to a word or concept influences the response to another word or idea

Mnemonic Devices

an encoding strategy that helps individuals remember information more easily 

connects/associates new information to something familiar;

• pattern

• picture

• phrase

• acronym

Method of Loci

• example of a mnemonic device

• associating information with specific locations in a familiar setting

Chunking

an encoding strategy that organizes information into;

• groups

• categories

• hierarchies

combining information into groups reduces the individual items a person has to remember

Distributed Practice

• a strategy where an individual spreads out their study/practice sessions over time

• opposite of cramming/massed practice

Spacing Effect

• the tendency for distributed study/practice to yield better long-term retention than is achieved through massed study

• helps people spot areas where they’re struggling

Testing Effect

• self-testing enhances memory, as individuals have to actively apply and retrieve information 

Serial Position Effect

• impacts the encoding process

• suggest that information that is at the start and end of a list is often more likely to be remembered than the information in the middle

Primacy Effect

information at the beginning of a list is more memorable

• it’s had more time to be rehearsed and encoded into long-term memory

Recency Effect

information at the end of a list is easier to recall

• it’s still fresh in the mind