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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org.
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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
www.
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