L3 Effective Encoding Flashcards
What are the 4 types of memory research ?
- Pragmatic - seeking ways to improve people’s abilities to learn and remember
- Experimental - documenting the existence and nature of memory with observations, should also be pragmatic
- Atheoretical - characterising memory in an informal manner, focusing on phenomenon rather than explanations (timeless)
- Theoretical - explaining the mechanisms of memory with theories or models
What does Ebbinghaus say about encoding ?
Encoding difficulty increases with list length
Encoding up to 7 items is instant
After 7 it takes quadruple the amount of time
No evidence for any maximum list length
What is massed vs distributed encoding ?
Massed - learn for 4 hours straight
Distributed - 1 hour per week
Learning for 1 hour per day is the most efficient
Learning for 4 hours was the least efficient but it was more engaging
Why does distributed encoding work ?
It is hard
Encoding variability - multiple learning in different contexts produces more available cues
Deficient processing hypothesis - You don’t pay so much attention to recently encountered things
Study phase retrieval - retrieve previous episodes of learning each time you re-learn
How does context effect encoding ?
If you receive context before then recall is a lot higher
If you receive context after then it doesn’t help
How does schemas effect encoding ?
Schema expectancy predict recall
With a schema you are less likely to make false alarms for atypical items
What is the best learning strategy ?
Short inter-session intervals (almost massed) are inefficient
Optimal ISI ae approximately 10-20% of retention interval
How can we enhance encoding ?
Relating new information to existing knowledge can improve encoding
Creating mind maps
The generation effect - memory for self-generated items is much better than items you have been presented with
Testing effect
