What is the primary focus of structural encoding?

Structural encoding primarily emphasizes the physical characteristics of stimuli rather than their deeper meanings or associations. This form of encoding involves processing the visual and auditory features of information, such as the shape, size, color, and other sensory attributes. By focusing on these physical aspects, structural encoding allows individuals to perceive and organize the information effectively, but it does not involve understanding its significance or emotional relevance.

This approach contrasts with other encoding types, such as semantic encoding, which centers on the meaning of the information, or emotional encoding, which considers the emotional impacts of the stimuli. Structural encoding is foundational because it sets the stage for further processing, like identifying patterns or categorizing information based on its physical features.