The memorability of information can be dramatically increased by providing a meaningful context. For instance, sentences from a study by Bransford & McCarrell (1974), such as 'The notes were sour because the seams split,' are difficult to encode and recall in isolation. However, when provided with a simple contextual cue—in this case, 'bagpipe'—the sentence becomes coherent and much easier to remember. Similarly, the prompt 'ship christening' clarifies 'The voyage wasn't delayed because the bottle shattered,' and 'parachutist' explains 'The haystack was important because the cloth ripped.' This experiment demonstrates that encoding is far more effective when new information is made meaningful through context.

Example of Context's Role in Meaningful Encoding

A key factor that enhances memory encoding is the meaningfulness of the information. Information that is understood and has significance is recalled more easily than information that is not meaningful. For example, a simple sentence is more likely to be remembered if its meaning is processed.

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The process of acquiring information and sending it to long term memory (WM to LTM).

Encoding

Memory depends on the depth of processing information (how much meaning) that occurs. 

Levels of Processing theory

Goldstein, E. B. (2014). Cognitive psychology: Connecting mind, research and everyday experience. Nelson Education.


Cognitive psychology: Connecting mind, research and everyday experience

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

Encoding (memory) is better when relating words/events to yourself.

Self-reference effect

Creating material yourself, instead of passively receiving improving learning and retention.

Generation effect

information is encoded with considerations to  the context it was presented in.

encoding specificity

Retrieval performance is better when the type of processing involved in encoding is incorporated at retrieval.

Transfer-appropriate processing

The process of memory going from an unstable state to a more stable, permanent one. 

Memory Consolidation

Meaningfulness as a Factor in Encoding

Craik, F. I., & Lockhart, R. S. (1972). Levels of processing: A framework for memory research. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 11(6), 671-684. doi:10.1016/s0022-5371(72)80001-x

Levels of processing: A framework for memory research 

How much attention to meaning is present when processing information. Distinguishes between:
- Shallow processing
- Deep processing

Depth of processing

The Levels of Processing Framework introduced by Craik and Lockhart in 1972 conceives of memory as a result of several processes involved in perception and understanding of information. How much a stimulus is analyzed when a person first learns about it affects how memorable it is. Greater depth in original processing was shown in studies to result in improved memory performance. Within the field of cognitive science, this framework shed light upon the importance of the way information is processed (p. 118). It prompted more research into encoding and retrieval processes following the rejection of the modal model (p. 117).

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