Discuss the "levels of processing" theory of memory storage and retrieval. Define and explain each of the three types of processing, and explain how you could use this theory to improve your own studying.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Student examples will vary. A sample answer follows.
The "levels of processing" theory says that if information is encoded deeply, then that information is easier to remember accurately. To encode something deeply, you must process the meaning of the information.
An example of shallow processing is: "Study this list of words. Now try to remember which words were in capital letters." This processing is shallow because it focuses on the shapes of the letters rather than the words' meanings.
An example of moderate processing is: "Study this list of words. Now try to remember which of the words rhyme with ‘park.'" This processing is moderate because it focuses on the sounds of the words rather than their meanings.
An example of deep processing is: "Study this list of words. Now try to remember which of the words name a type of fish." Deep processing focuses on the words' meanings.
I will use the levels of processing theory to focus more on meaning and less on rhymes. Rhyming mnemonic devices are helpful, but I'm unlikely to keep important concepts in long-term memory unless I understand the meaning and significance of each bit of information.