Final answer:
Semantic encoding is the process of encoding words and their meanings, which has been shown to improve memory retention of verbal information. Memory errors are categorized into forgetting, distortion, and intrusion, with characteristics such as misattribution, bias, and different types of interference affecting recall. These errors can be related to encoding failure or issues with memory storage and retrieval.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Semantic Encoding and Memory Errors:
Semantic encoding refers to the processing and encoding of words and their meanings into memory. It's of particular importance when considering how we categorize and recall information. An experiment by William Bousfield showed that people tend to remember words in categories, which implies they were paying attention to the meanings of words during learning.
Memory errors can take various forms, including the seven sins of memory, described by Daniel Schacter, which classified errors as forgetting, distortion, and intrusion. In distortion, errors like misattribution, suggestibility, and bias are common.
Finally, comparing the two types of interference, proactive and retroactive, can explain why new information sometimes hinders the recall of old information and vice versa. These interfere with the ability to remember which can be seen as a result of encoding failure or the inability to properly store information within the brain's memory systems.