Which type of memory encoding requires attention and conscious effort?

Effortful processing is the type of memory encoding that requires attention and conscious effort. This form of processing involves actively focusing your cognitive resources on the information you want to encode, which often includes strategies such as rehearsal, organization, and making connections to existing knowledge. For example, when studying for an exam, you might summarize material in your own words or create mnemonics to help retain information—all of which reflect effortful processing.

In contrast, automatic processing occurs without explicit effort or attention, allowing some information to be encoded effortlessly, such as remembering commonly seen words or recognizing familiar faces. Implicit memory refers to memories that are not consciously recalled, such as skills and learned behaviors that can be performed without thinking (like riding a bike). Photographic memory pertains to an exceptional ability to recall detailed visual information after only brief exposure, which doesn't necessarily involve the conscious effort typically required in effortful processing. Thus, effortful processing most accurately describes the intentional, attentive approach to encoding memories.