2.4 Encoding Memories

Mnemonic Devices

Learning tools that aid memory retention through patterns, associations, or rhymes.

Method of Loci

A mnemonic technique that involves visualizing items to be remembered in specific physical locations, thereby facilitating recall.

Chunking

A memory technique that involves breaking down information into smaller, manageable units or "chunks" to enhance retention and recall.

Spacing Effect

The phenomenon where information is better retained when it is studied over multiple sessions spaced out in time rather than crammed in a single session.

Distributed Practice

A study technique that involves spreading out study sessions over time to enhance retention and recall of information.

Massed Practice

Refers to a learning strategy where study sessions are grouped closely together with little to no breaks in between. This method is often less effective for long-term retention compared to spaced practice.

Serial Position Effect

The tendency to recall the first and last items in a list better than those in the middle. This effect highlights the importance of item positioning in memory retention.

Primacy Effect

The tendency to better remember items presented at the beginning of a list compared to those in the middle.

Recency Effect

The phenomenon where items presented at the end of a list are more easily remembered than those in the middle. This effect highlights the importance of recent information in memory recall.

Peg Word Mnemonic

A memory aid that uses a rhyme system to associate words with numbers, allowing for easier recall of information.