Levels of processing

• An alternative to the multistore model• Emphasises memory process rather

than structure• Based on the idea that the strength of

a memory trace is determined by how the original info was processed

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Levels of processing

Structural

Weak memory trace Strong memory trace

Phonological Semantic

Shallow processing Deep processing

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Levels of processing

• Incoming stimuli pass through a series of analysing mechanisms

• Memory traces are a product of how stimuli are analysed

• Strength of trace depends on:• Attention paid to stimulus• Depth of processing carried out• Connections with existing knowledge

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Levels of processing

• Different levels of processing:• Structural – appearance• Phonological – auditory/sound• Semantic – meaning

• Structural is the shallowest, semantic is the deepest

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Levels of processing

• The basic prediction of the LOP approach is that the amount of info pps will recall/recognise will depend on how deeply the experimental stimuli were processed

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Levels of processing

• Elias & Perfetti (1973)• PPs had greater recognition of words

they had thought of similes for (semantic) than word they had thought of rhymes for (phono)

• Craik & Tulving (1975)• Highest recognition of semantically

processes stimuli, followed by phono, followed by structural

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Levels of processing

• Morris et al (1977)• Semantic processing was not always

best; it depended on how recall was measured:

• Recognition – semantic best• Rhyming recognition – phono best

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Levels of processing

• Influential model that focused researchers on processes that they had tended to neglect

• The idea that the nature of a memory trace depends on encoding processes is well supported

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Levels of processing

• Many different variables involved in determining how a stimulus is processed:• Depth• Spread• Elaboration• Distinctiveness

• Very difficult to isolate these variables experimentally

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LOP and revision

• You will recall more if you use…• Depth – make sure you understand &

make connections between the topics & 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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