The Levels of Processing approach to memory

1
The Levels of Processing approach to memory

• Craik Lockhart - concentrated on processes
  involved in memory, not structures.
• 2 assumptions-
• Way info is processed affects how likely it is to
  be recalled in future
• Info can be processed at different levels range
  from shallow /superficial deep /richer levels.
• Deeper processing ---- longer lasting memories
• Shallow processing----- less likely to retrieve
  info

2

• Examples of ways of processing words-
• What does word mean? deep processing
• Does word rhyme with another? intermediate
  processing
• Is word in lower /upper case letters? shallow
  processing

3
Shallow end appearance
Intermediate sound
Deep end meaning
4

• Use these questions to help you structure your
  notes on the Levels of Processing approach to
  memory. Use pages 270 272 in your text book.
• 1. What aspect of memory did Craik Lockhart
  focus on?
• 2. What were the two important assumptions they
  made?
• 3. What does the LOP approach predict?
• 4. What are the different levels at which we
  process information?
• 5. How did Craik Tulving investigate these
  different levels? remember Aim, Method, Results
  Conclusion

5
Evaluation of Levels of Processing approach

• encoding activity affects recall supported by
  research
• LOP emphasises active aspects of encoding
• Rote rehearsal (shallow processing) can improve
  recognition, (not free recall) doesnt fit LOP
  theory
• Descriptive, not explanatory.
• How do you measure depth of processing?
• Info well recalled - must have been deeply
  processed.
• How do we know info was deeply processed? It is
  recalled well. Circular argument!

6

• Deep /semantic processing more elaborate than
  shallow processing could be that distinctive
  /unusual processing recall.
• Were the Ps using orienting task they were told
  to use during the exps?
• Eysenck (1986) 4 factors affect memory-
• 1. nature of task
• 2. type of material to be memorised
• 3 individual knowledge of subject
• 4. how memory performance is measured

7

• Craik Lockhart admitted original model rather
  oversimplified have updated it.
• Need to consider retrieval processes in more
  detail.
• Shallow processing doesnt always lead at rapid
  forgetting depends how you are measuring
  recall!
• Storing semantic processing no use if memory is
  to be tested by identifying words which rhymed
  with words on original list!