Levels of processing approach

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The levels-of-processing approach is a general psychology model described by Fergus Craik and Robert S. Lockhart in 1972 .

In contrast to the multi-memory model , which is based on a short and long-term memory, Craik and Lockhart postulate that when processing new information (items) - and thus also when remembering later - the type and extent of its elaboration (processing) are decisive. Accordingly, there is a certain processing depth achieved for information.

Craik and Lockhart assume several processing levels:

  • physical (e.g. typeface)
  • acoustic (e.g. sound)
  • semantic (e.g. word meaning)
  • self-related (own self-concept)

The retention performance corresponds to the level of the processing level, so semantically processed information is retained better (deep processing) than only graphically perceived information (flat processing).

criticism

Although the depth of processing is usually beneficial for everyday remembering, there was theoretical and empirical criticism of the approach. Theoretically, it has been argued that the concept of processing depth is circular in order to explain memory performance when there are no clear independent criteria by which the depth of processing is determined. It has been empirically shown that flatter processing can be advantageous if the test refers to the form of processing with which the material was learned. Then the approach of transfer-appropriate processing and its further development to the principle of encoding-specificity was justified.

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ^ FI Craik & RS Lockhart: Levels of processing: A framework for memory research . In: Journal of Verbal Learning & Verbal Behavior . tape 11 , no. 6 , 1972, p. 671-684 .
  2. ^ CD Morris, JD Bransford & JJ Franks: Levels of processing versus transfer appropriate processing . In: Journal of Verbal Learning & Verbal Behavior . tape 16 , no. 5 , 1977, pp. 519-533 .
  3. ^ E. Tulving & DM Thomson: Encoding specificity and retrieval processes in episodic memory . In: Psychological Review . tape 80 , no. 5 , 1973, p. 352-373 .