Encoding Memories

Effortful Processing

requires active work and attention to retain information

Automatic Processing

unconscious encoding of information (like just knowing your route home from school)

Levels of Processing Model

depth at which information is thought about

Shallow Encoding

focuses on surface characteristics of information

relies on repetition and results in memories that are less likely to be retained over time

Structural

focuses on the physical structure of information

ex : bullet points, highlighted words, bolded text

Phonemic

focuses on the auditory aspects of information

ex : how words sound rather than what they mean

Deep Encoding

focusing on informations meaning and connecting it to existing knowledge

creates durable and easily retrievable knowledge

Chunking (grouping)

grouping individual pieces of information together to make it more retainable

Categories (grouping)

grouping related items together into categories

Hierarchies (grouping)

a system of ranked categories or levels

organized into core concepts

Mnemonics

used to improve memory by using patterns, vivid images, or rhymes

Method of Loci

associating items to be remembered with specific physical locations