AP Psychology Topic 2.4 - Encoding Memories

EQ: How do different encoding processes work to get information into memory?

I. Encoding Processes

  • Mnemonic Devices - Techniques that aid memory retention by creating meaningful associations, such as acronyms or visual imagery.

  • Chunking - The process of breaking down information into smaller, manageable units or "chunks," which can enhance recall and make it easier to remember larger sets of data.

  • The Spacing Effect - The phenomenon where information is more easily recalled when it is studied over a longer period of time, rather than crammed in a short session, emphasizing the benefits of distributed practice.

  • The Serial Position Effect - The tendency to remember the first and last items in a list better than the middle items, which highlights the importance of item placement in memory retrieval.

II. Key Terms

  • Category - A group of related items or concepts that share common features, used to organize information mentally.

  • Chunking - Breaking down information into smaller, manageable units (chunks) to improve memory retention.

  • Distributed practice - Spacing out study sessions over time, which leads to better long-term retention than cramming.

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

  • Hierarchy - Organizing information into levels or ranks, from broad concepts to specific details, to help memory and understanding.

  • Massed practice - Studying a lot of information in one session (cramming); often less effective for long-term retention.

  • Method of loci - A mnemonic strategy that involves visualizing items to be remembered in specific physical locations (a "memory palace").

  • Mnemonic devices - Memory aids or tricks that use imagery, organization, or rhymes to help recall information.

  • Primacy effect - The tendency to better remember items at the beginning of a list.

  • Recency effect - The tendency to better remember items at the end of a list.

  • Serial position effect - The combined tendency to recall the first and last items in a list more easily than the middle items.

  • Spacing effect - The phenomenon where learning is more effective when study sessions are spaced out over time.

Notes based on AMSCO Advanced Placement Edition Psychology - Third Edition by Brandt and Hamilton