Encoding

Encoding

Encoding: getting the information in our heads

Two Ways to Encode Info

Automatic Processing

• unconscious encoding of incidental information
• you encode space, time and word meaning without effort
• things can become automatic with practice

Effortless Processing

• encoding that requires attention of conscious effort
• rehearsal is the most common effortless processing technique
• through enough rehearsal, what was effortless becomes automatic

Things to remember about Encoding 

1. The next-in-line effect: we seldom remember what pason has just said or done if we are next
2. Info minutes before sleep is seldom remembered; in the hour before sleep, well remembered
3. Taped info played while asleep is registered by ears, but we do not remember it

Spacing Effect

• we encode better when we study or practice overtime
• DO NOT CRAM!!!  

Serial Positioning Effect

• our tendency to recall best the lost and first items in a list

Types of Encoding

• Semantic Encoding: encoding of meaning, like meaning of words
• Acoustic Encoding: encoding of sound, especially sounds of words
• Visual Encoding: encoding of picture images

Chunking 

• organizing items into familiar, manageable units
• often it will occur automatically