2.4 ENCODING MEMORIES

Chunking

The process of grouping information into meaningful units to improve encoding and memory retention.

Categories

Organizing information into groups based on shared characteristics to enhance memory.

Encoding

The process of converting information into a form that can be stored in memory.

Mnemonic Devices

Memory aids or strategies, such as rhymes or visual imagery, that improve encoding and recall.

Method of Loci

A mnemonic technique that involves associating items to be remembered with specific locations in a familiar space.

Massed Practice

A learning strategy that involves cramming or studying information all at once, usually resulting in poorer retention.

Distributed Practice

A learning strategy that spreads study sessions out over time, leading to better long-term retention.

Hierarchies

Structuring information from general to specific to improve understanding and memory.

Serial Position Effect

The tendency to recall the first and last items in a list more easily than the middle items.

Recency Effect

The tendency to better remember items presented at the end of a list.

Primacy Effect

The tendency to better remember items presented at the beginning of a list.

Spacing Effect

The tendency for information to be better remembered when it is studied over time (distributed practice) rather than all at once (massed practice).