Levels of Processing

Levels of Processing

1. Craig and Lockhart (1972)

   • Proposed an alternative to the structural models of memory, focussing instead of memory processes. They suggested that information can be processed at different levels, and that the way in which memory is processed can affect the likelihood of it being retrieved
   • Information processed at a shallow level (Structural) is less likely to be recalled to that of information processed at a deeper level (Semantic)

2. Craig and Tulving (1975)

   • Aim - to investigate the effects of different types of processing on the recall of words
   • Method - Participants were shown 60 words, one at a time, and for each word they had to answer one of three questions (Was the word in Capitals or Lower Case?, Does the word rhyme with .... ?, Does the word fit in the following sentence?)
   • Shallow
     • 15% of the words in the visual (structural) question were remembered
   • Central
     • 35% in the auditory (phonological) question were remembered
   • Deep
     • 70% of the words in the sentencing (semantic) question were remembered

3. Ways to process information

   • Depth - make sure you understand and make connections between the topics and ideas
   • Spread - use several different techniques on the material
   • Elaboration - mental effort is required to store material effectively
   • Distinctiveness - make the material your own

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