Final answer:
Maurice Halbwachs defined the Theory of Collective Memory. The best method for encoding verbal information is typically semantic encoding, which focuses on the processing of meaning. Memory-enhancing strategies such as mnemonic devices and rehearsal can improve memory retention.
Step-by-step explanation:
Maurice Halbwachs defined the Theory of Collective Memory. This concept emphasizes that memory, particularly the recollection of events and experiences, is not only an individual phenomenon but also a collective one, influenced by the social groups to which we belong. The collective memory of a group shapes the way individual members of that group recall and recount events, as the group has a shared set of memories that are passed on over generations.
Memory functions through three basic processes: encoding, storing, and retrieval. Encoding refers to how we get information into our memory system. It can occur through automatic or effortful processing. Regarding your original question about encoding verbal information, research by psychologists Fergus Craik and Endel Tulving suggested that semantic processing, or the deep encoding of the meaning of words, typically results in a stronger memory of the information. This ties back to William Bousfield's experiment, where participants tended to recall words in categories based on their meaning, illustrating the power of semantic encoding for organizing and remembering verbal information.
The memory-enhancing strategies can significantly impact our ability to encode, store, and recall information. Mnemonic devices, rehearsal, self-referencing, and adequate sleep are common techniques that not only help in daily life but can also improve study efficiency and enhance memory retention.