Question

Discuss the role of attention and levels of processing in encoding.

Answer 1

• Our memory has limited capacity,so therefore attention determines what information will be encoded.Divided attention during encoding prevents the formation of conscious memories.When we pay attention to a particular piece of information, this process is called attentional capture.
• To improve our memory encoding attention is important.If pay attention to the details of the information,only then we will be able to encode it either,verbally,visually or auditory,otherwise the information will be lost.
• Memory can improve through selective attention wherein we focus only on the information which interests us,since we are bombarded with information through our sensory environment and our working memory can store only that much.
• The working memory decides,based on past experiences, current thoughts et., if any particular piece of information is important to us.If the information is not used or considered important, it will be forgotten by us and not sent to short term memory and then long term memory.
• We pay attention to a particular stimulus in our environment either consciously or unconsciously,this is then encoded in our working memory,and if its important we pay attention to and send it to our short term memory and stored permanently in our long term memory.
• Level of processing indicates how deep the information is processed to be encoded and stored.The deeper the level of processing,the better would be the retrieval.Deep level of processing involves encoding at meaning level,by associating it with one's experiences and having personal meaning,which would lead to better retention.Deep processing involves elaboration rehearsal which involves a more meaningful analysis and better encoding,leading to better recall rather than shallow processing in which information is only encoded based on physical qualities,like how the words look or sound.