Week 10 - Encoding

    Hello welcome back to my blog! During week ten I did not attend due to a trip that I had planned, however, we worked in the topics that were covered on the pages 212 to 235 of the book. On these pages, we will be covering the subject of encoding and how to separate it from retrieval, by going through some basic variables of encoding. 

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What is Encoding? 

    Encoding refers to the process of transforming sensory input into a form that can be stored in the brain. This involves converting information into a neural code that the brain can understand and use for later retrieval. Encoding can involve various sensory modalities, such as visual, auditory, or semantic processing, depending on the nature of the information being learned.

Separating Encoding From Retrieval

    1. Attention: During encoding, attention plays a crucial role. If we want to remember something, we need to pay attention to it. If we're distracted or not paying attention during encoding, we're less likely to remember the information later.

    2. Depth of processing: The depth of processing refers to how deeply information is processed during encoding. Deeper levels of processing, such as semantic processing (processing the meaning of the information), result in better memory compared to shallow processing, such as structural or phonemic processing.

    3. Elaboration: Elaboration involves making connections between new information and existing knowledge. When we elaborate on information during encoding, we create more retrieval cues, making it easier to remember the information later.

By focusing on these variables during the encoding process, we can enhance memory retrieval later. Separating encoding from retrieval involves focusing on how the information was initially processed and stored, rather than how it's being retrieved.

Emotions and Encoding

Emotions play a crucial role in memory encoding by influencing attention, depth of processing, and memory consolidation. Emotionally arousing events capture our attention more effectively, leading to more profound encoding of emotional information. This deep encoding, coupled with the release of stress hormones during emotional experiences, enhances memory consolidation, making emotional memories more vivid and lasting. Additionally, emotions can act as retrieval cues, facilitating the recall of information when our emotional state during retrieval matches our state during encoding. Thus, emotions play a multifaceted role in memory, shaping what we remember and how well we remember it.

Question for peers: 

Is there any specific piece of information that you recall from high school due to the emotion it created on you or that you felt in that moment? 

References: 

Terry, W. S. (1999). Learning and Memory: principles, processes, and procedures (5th ed.).

Cambridge Dictionary. (2024). https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/memory