Final answer:
The unconscious encoding of incidental information such as time, space, and frequency, as well as the encoding of well-learned information like word meanings, is known as automatic processing. Semantic encoding provides the best memory retention for verbal information and is strengthened by the self-reference effect.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of unconscious encoding of incidental information such as space, time, frequency, and the meaning of words is known as automatic processing. This type of information processing occurs without any conscious awareness and includes details that we can easily recall, such as what we had for lunch or the last time we studied for a test. In contrast to effortful processing, which requires intentional attention and work to encode, automatic processing handles the encoding of well-learned information or daily occurrences seamlessly.
E';po9ncoding is the input of information into the memory system, which can happen through automatic processing or effortful processing. Automatic processing deals with the encoding of space, time, and frequency, while effortful processing is about the conscious encoding of new information that requires attention and effort.
There are three main types of encoding: visual, acoustic, and semantic. Semantic encoding, which relates to the meaning of words, has been shown to provide the best retention of verbal information, especially when combined with the self-reference effect, implying a deeper level of processing and a stronger memory trace.
To illustrate, consider high-imagery words such as 'car', 'dog', and 'book', versus low-imagery words like 'level', 'truth', and 'value'. High-imagery words are encoded both visually and semantically, leading to more robust memory retention.