For example, the method of loci, or memory palace, is a popular mnemonic device that prompts an individual to pair the items to be remembered to different components of a familiar location and to use the visualized associations to improve recall (Yesavage & Rose, 1984).

To combat this memory limitation, many individuals have come up with different mnemonics or techniques that can be used as memory aids for expanding the ability to memorize greater chunks of information through the arduous practice of those mnemonics over time. At that moment, wouldn’t you wish you had a better memory for all the important things you’re trying to remember? Right off the bat, the first question catches you off guard as it asks for a concept related to cell growth that you can’t remember. You sit down, take a deep breath, and open the test booklet. After what feels like forever, the thin pile of sheets finally gets passed to you. Picture this: you walk into your classroom and sit down in nervous anticipation for the upcoming Biology midterm.

Definition of encoding in psychology