Table of Contents
Encoding specificity is a principle that states that human memories are more easily retrieved when external conditions (emotional cues) at the time of retrieval are similar to those in existence at the time the memory was stored. For instance, happy memories are easier to access when happy, or bad memories are more accessible when in a depressed state. The encoding specificity principle has its origin in the earliest research in regards to memory. When Ebbinghaus first used lists of words, he noted that associations between items aids recall. The internal context of the list matters. We look for any connection that helps us combine items into meaningful units. Building on the work of Ebbinghaus, researchers using lists on nonsense syllables soon discovered that in addition to internal context, the external context makes a difference. The environment can help you generate cues, and when you try to remember in a different environment with different cues, it becomes more difficult.
Encoding Contexts
Encoding context refers to the circumstances in which the data was encoded, the physical location or environment, and the individual’s physical or mental state at the time of encoding. Various studies have shown that the context of one’s environment is very important for the recall of specific information and events. In Baddley’s experiment, it has been shown that participants were able to recall information more precisely at the location where encoding occurred than at the modified location. The environment of the original encoding and recall should remain unchanged as the impact of retrieval of the encoded information depends solely on the environment of the original encoding. Different types and levels of noises in the original encoding environment may hinder the ability to retrieve information in a different auditory context. For instance, it has been proven in studies that students who study in a quiet environment are more likely to get higher marks in exams than students who study in a noisy environment. As the exam rooms and student’s quiet study environments have the same level of noise, students were able to retrieve information more quickly.
Experiment
In Godden and Baddeley’s “diving” experiment that demonstrate encoding specificity, a group of participants put on diving equipment and studied a list of words underwater; another group studied the same list of words on land. These two groups were then divided so that half the participants in the land and water groups were tested for recall on land and half were tested underwater (Cengage,2015). The results that were indicated by numbers show that best recall occurred when encoding and retrieval happened in the same location. Similar experiments like Grant et al’s “studying” experiment and Eich and Metcalfe’s “mood” experiment have been conducted. The various studies suggest that a good strategy for test-taking would be to study in an environment that is similar to the place that you take your test.
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Real-life examples
The principle of encoding specificity can be showcased in real-life experiences as well. The encoding specificity principle has an implication for studying; as the recall of information is aided by the context of encoding the information, suggesting one should study in a similar context to the exam. The context in studying can mean the physical environment, the type of activity used to study and the audio environment. Studying the information in a manner that is closest to the method of assessment is the optimal method of studying due to its aiding recall of the information in a similar context to that of the assessment. For example, practicing the type of task that will be asked on the exam as a mode of studying. One study on different methods of studying showed that the students who read and took notes in the outline form did the highest on the outlining section of a test.
The information encoded and stored while intoxicated is retrieved more effectively when later recall tests are performed while intoxicated as compared to recall while sober. This finding is a variation of the context-dependency effect of the encoding specificity principle and is much more apparent with low-imagery words than high-imagery words. Both high and low imagery words, however, are less likely to be recalled while intoxicated due to the inherent nature of intoxication.
For example, it is easiest to remember where your keys are when you are in the same room as they are. This is why when you’ve lost an idea, you go back to where you first had it and it reappears. The location context was giving you cues. Retracing your steps triggers those original cues that were present at encoding.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Encoding specificity effects in the recognition and recall of pictures
- Frontiers in Psychology: Effects of encoding instructions on neural correlates of retrieval success and retrieving unsuccessful source memory
- Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance: Encoding specificity through modality-specific perceptual changes
- Memory & Cognition: Survival cues enhance stimulus encoding and memory performance in humans
