If, for example, Helen was rotund, one might have little difficulty thinking of a melon, and thereby recall the name Helen. However, if the phonetic mnemonic were used in conjunction with semantic encoding Opens in new window, a critical link between some characteristic of Helen and the image of a melon might be established. Thus, if Helen were to appear, one might not readily think of a melon, and thereby recall the name Helen. The phonetic mnemonic does not necessarily provide a primary associative link between the original stimulus, the appearance of Helen and the image of a melon. Because of the high phonetic association of these words, if a melon were visualized, the name Helen would likely be readily recalled. Using phonetic encoding, one might translate the name Helen into melon.

Phonetic encoding is a mnemonic technique involving the translation of an abstract and/or unfamiliar word into a similar sounding, more familiar, concrete, and high imagery word.Ĭraik and Lockhart (1972) have suggested that because phonetic encoding takes place at a more shallow level of processing than that at which semantic encoding is conducted, it will produce a weaker memory.

Phonetic Encoding An Introduction to Phonetic Encoding

Definition of encoding in psychology