When first learning a new skill like driving a car, a person must put forth effort and attention to encode information about how to start, brake, and turn. Once the skill is learned, however, additional information about driving can be encoded automatically.

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Modalities of encoding memories include: 

- Automatic processing
- Effortful processing

Processing Methods for Encoding Memories

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Automatic processing is a method of memory encoding that occurs without conscious awareness or effort. It involves the encoding of everyday details such as the time events happened, the space where they occurred, the frequency of their occurrence, and the meaning of words.

Automatic Processing in Encoding Memories

Effortful processing is a method of memory encoding that requires conscious work, attention, and effort to successfully input information into the memory system. This type of processing is necessary for learning complex material or new skills.

Effortful Processing in Encoding Memories

A student is studying for a history exam in a busy coffee shop. They are concentrating intensely on memorizing a list of important dates. At the same time, the song playing in the coffee shop changes. Later, the student can recall the dates but has no memory of which song was playing. Which statement best analyzes this situation in the context of memory encoding?

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