Lecture 6 - Encoding

Question 1

What is Encoding?

Answer 1

• Moving information from Working Memory to Long Term Memory

Question 2

Why is Encoding important?

Answer 2

Encoding determines:

• How knowledge is constructed
• How well knowledge is stored
• How easily knowledge is retrieved

Question 3

What are the two kinds of Encoding?

Answer 3

• Effortful (deliberate control of attention)

- Automatic (no deliberate focus)

Question 4

Explain the two levels of Effortful Encoding?

Answer 4

1. Deeper Encoding
   - Focuses on meaning
   - Semantic coding
   - Example - re-wording an essay into your own words (paraphrasing)
2. Shallow Encoding
   - Focuses on superficial features
   - Perceptual coding (visual, auditory)
   - Example - underline every “and” in the essay

Question 5

What type of processing results in better recall when encoding?

Answer 5

• Deeper processing results in better recall

Question 6

What are the 3 Memory Strategies you can use when encoding?

Answer 6

1. Rehearsal
2. Organisation
3. Elaboration

Question 7

Explain the Rehearsal memory strategy?

Answer 7

• Learner engages in direct recycling
• Useful for simple information only
• Often short term
• May not reach LTM
• Spontaneous use starts from age 8
• Most common strategy in adolescents
• Examples - repeating place names, chanting times tables

Question 8

Explain the Organisation memory strategy?

Answer 8

• Learners categorise, map or order information
• More effective than Rehearsal
• Deeper encoding because you are creating links between elements
• Begins at early age - infants begin to categorise things (animals, colours, transport)
• Spontaneous use at age 4
• Increases throughout school
• Examples - schema activation activities (let’s brainstorm what we know about WWII)

Question 9

Explain the Elaboration memory strategy?

Answer 9

• Learner engages in extending material
• Deep coding for storage in LTM
• Useful for simple or complex info
• Emerges slowly as we age
• Deliberately used from age 11
• Least commonly used strategy
• Examples - Mnemonics, Essay Writing, Design Activities, Mock Scenarios or Re-enactments

Question 10

What are the two main characteristics of effective encoding?

Answer 10

Effective encoding is

1. Deep
2. Elaborative

Question 11

What are the 3 effects that result in good encoding?

Answer 11

1. The Practice Effect
   - Need to practice in order to automatize
   - Novel info must be practiced effortfully
2. The Spacing Effect
   - The longer the gap between practices = the better the recall
   - Spaced study is much better than cramming
3. The Generation Effect
   - Self generated material results in better recall
   - Because it is elaborative and distinctive
   - Best to - test yourself, fill in gaps, rework material, re-test