Cognitive processing that uses only surface-level physical, visual, or auditory features for information processing and is not as effective for memory as deep processing.

Shallow Processing

A type of cognitive processing that focuses on the meaningful properties of a stimulus rather than its perceptual characteristics.  Often incorporates focusing intensely and making connections.

Deep Processing

How much attention to meaning is present when processing information. Distinguishes between:
- Shallow processing
- Deep processing

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Memory depends on the depth of processing information (how much meaning) that occurs. 

Levels of Processing theory

Goldstein, E. B. (2014). Cognitive psychology: Connecting mind, research and everyday experience. Nelson Education.


Cognitive psychology: Connecting mind, research and everyday experience

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. doi:10.1016/s0022-5371(72)80001-x

Levels of processing: A framework for memory research 

Depth of processing

The Levels of Processing Framework introduced by Craik and Lockhart in 1972 conceives of memory as a result of several processes involved in perception and understanding of information. How much a stimulus is analyzed when a person first learns about it affects how memorable it is. Greater depth in original processing was shown in studies to result in improved memory performance. Within the field of cognitive science, this framework shed light upon the importance of the way information is processed (p. 118). It prompted more research into encoding and retrieval processes following the rejection of the modal model (p. 117).

Levels of Processing Framework

A key factor that enhances memory encoding is the meaningfulness of the information. Information that is understood and has significance is recalled more easily than information that is not meaningful. For example, a simple sentence is more likely to be remembered if its meaning is processed.

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