Glossary
Acoustic Encoding
An intermediate level of processing information based on how something sounds, including its auditory properties or rhythm.
Example:
When you can't get a catchy song's chorus out of your head, you're experiencing acoustic encoding.
Elaborative Rehearsal
A deep encoding strategy that involves actively thinking about the meaning of new information and connecting it to what you already know.
Example:
To remember the parts of a neuron, you might relate the axon to a long highway that transmits signals, using elaborative rehearsal.
Encoding
The initial process by which the brain takes in, processes, and stores information from the environment for later retrieval.
Example:
When you first learn a new person's name, your brain is encoding that auditory information.
Imagery
A memory-enhancing technique that involves creating vivid mental pictures or visualizations to help encode and recall information.
Example:
To remember the concept of a 'hippocampus,' you might visualize a hippo walking through a campus to help form new memories, using imagery.
Maintenance Rehearsal
A shallow encoding strategy that involves repeating information over and over to keep it in short-term memory.
Example:
Repeatedly saying a new phone number aloud until you dial it is a form of maintenance rehearsal.
Self-Reference Effect
A phenomenon where information is better remembered when it is related to oneself, making it more personally meaningful.
Example:
When studying classical conditioning, you might remember Pavlov's dogs better by thinking about a time you felt hungry after hearing a specific sound, utilizing the self-reference effect.
Semantic Encoding
The deepest and most effective level of processing information, based on its meaning and relating it to existing knowledge.
Example:
Understanding that 'photosynthesis' is how plants make food, rather than just memorizing the word, demonstrates semantic encoding.
Visual Encoding
A shallow level of processing information based on how something looks, such as its appearance or visual characteristics.
Example:
Remembering that a specific vocabulary word was written in a bright green font is an example of visual encoding.