Information at a deeper level leads to elaborative processing and leads to better memory. The basis for a theory of memory is levels of processing (LOP). Our memory strength depends on how the information is encoded. The LOP view was developed by Craik and Lockhart (1972). Both Craik and Lockhart found serious implications for memory. They found that memories were better if the information was processed “deeper” at encoding.

Incidental Learning: This is a test that was given to participants about each word, and was tested on their memory of words. Questions were asked if the words were printed in capitalization letters. The second question was is the word rhyme with cat?  The third question was word fit into the following sentence. There was a _______ inside the house.

Physical processing: The participants were needed to examine the word printed in this process.  Acoustic processing: The participants were needed to memorize the pronunciation.          Semantic processing: The participants needed to understand the meaning of the word.

The incidental learning task is a surprise recognition test for words because they weren’t told there would be a memory test later.

The disadvantage of LOP is that it has been difficult to define exactly what deep processing is. According to Baddeley (1978) cited that the LOP approach is limited without a precise definition of what constitutes deep processing.

The advantagege of LOP is that it has proven to be important in our understanding of the way our memories are processed. This approach has led to discoveries about how encoding influences memory performance.

References:

Baddeley, A.D., (1978) The trouble with levels” A reexamination of Craik and Lockhart’s framework for memory research Psychology Review 85(3), 139-152

Craik, F.I., & Lockhart , R.S. (1972). Levels of processing. A framework for memory research; Journal of verbal learning and verbal behavior, 11(6), 671-684