Encoding

Encoding is a process that involves converting information from one format to another for efficient communication or storage. In the context of psychology, encoding refers to the initial process of perceiving and interpreting information. In computer science, encoding is used to convert data into a format required for many information processing needs including, but not limited to, machine and human cognition.

Psychological Encoding

In psychology, encoding is the first step in creating a new memory. It is a biological phenomenon, rooted in the sensory experience, that begins with perception. Psychologists analyze this process at three levels: structural encoding (shallow processing), phonemic encoding (intermediate processing), and semantic encoding (deep processing).

Structural Encoding

Structural encoding is a shallow processing that involves minimal attention to meaning. It is concerned with the physical structure or appearance of the stimulus. For example, a word might be presented in bold print and the individual would encode the information about the distinctiveness of the font.

Phonemic Encoding

Phonemic encoding is an intermediate processing that involves auditory processing. It is concerned with the sound of the stimulus. For example, the individual might try to remember a term by repeating it to themselves out loud or in their mind.

Semantic Encoding

Semantic encoding is a deep processing that involves the meaning of the stimulus. It is concerned with the experience associated with the stimulus. For example, the individual might try to remember a term by relating it to a previously known fact or concept.

Computer Encoding

In computer science, encoding is the process of converting data from one form to another. It is used to standardize, compress, and/or encrypt the data. There are many types of encoding in computer science, including character encoding, data encoding, and code encoding.

Character Encoding

Character encoding is a system of representing characters in binary so that they can be written, stored, transmitted, and read in digital media. The most common types of character encoding include ASCII, Unicode, and ISO 8859-1.

Data Encoding

Data encoding is the process of converting data into code that can be recognized by a specific software program. The most common types of data encoding include binary, hexadecimal, and Base64.

Code Encoding

Code encoding is the process of converting source code from one form to another. This is often done to protect the source code from being easily read and understood. The most common types of code encoding include obfuscation, minification, and uglification.

See Also

• Memory
• Data compression
• Cryptography

Encoding Resources
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