Final answer:
The answer to the student's question is B) automatic processing, which is the effortless encoding of everyday occurrences and details. It is differentiated from effortful processing, which requires active attention to retain information.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question posed by the student is B) automatic processing. This type of encoding refers to the means by which we can remember information without consciously trying or giving it much attention. It is contrasted with effortful processing, which requires active work and consideration to input information into our memory system.
Automatic processing is used for details like time, space, frequency, and the basic understanding of words. An example of this might be recalling what you had for lunch without making an effort to remember that specific detail—it just comes naturally. Conversely, the material learned for a test is typically encoded through effortful processing, necessitating concerted focus and deliberate memorization techniques.
Understanding these concepts is fundamental for grasping how our memory works and how different types of information are stored and retrieved in the brain.