Final answer:
Effortful processing is the type of encoding that requires attention and conscious awareness. This contrasts with automatic processing which occurs without conscious effort. Semantic encoding is an example of effortful processing that is particularly effective for verbal information.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of encoding that requires attention and conscious awareness is known as effortful processing. Unlike automatic processing, which handles everyday information such as time and space without much conscious thought, effortful processing involves actively working to commit information into memory. An example of effortful processing is studying for a test, where one must pay careful attention to understand and remember the material.
Studies have shown that semantic encoding, which is the processing of words by their meaning, allows for deeper and more effective memory storage. For instance, if you relate information to your own life (self-reference effect), you're likely to remember it better. This is because you're processing the information semantically and making it personally relevant, which requires conscious thought.