Have you ever wondered why some things stick in your memory while others vanish like smoke? What is depth of processing and what does it even mean? This cognitive phenomenon, also known as information processing theory, plays a key role in how we learn and remember information.
Simply put, depth of processing refers to how deeply we engage with information. The more meaningfully we process something, the better we remember it. This idea that meaningful analysis is important for memory contrasts with the idea that simple repetition is enough for long-term memory.
In 1972, Fergus Craik and Robert Lockhart, two pioneers in the study of verbal learning and behavior, first proposed the “levels of processing effect.” Their alternative memory model highlighted the importance of how information is processed in the brain for memory retention.
How does depth of processing work? It all comes down to how we encode information. Encoding influences our ability to experience memory recall later. Imagine three ways of looking at the word “apple”:
Craik and Lockhart’s levels of processing model suggests that we encode information in these ways to varying degrees of depth.
Structural and phonemic processing, focusing on appearance and sound, are considered shallow processing. They might help us remember for a short while, but the information is less likely to reach our long-term memory. This is similar to the idea of short-term memory in traditional memory models.
Semantic processing, on the other hand, is about delving into meaning and making connections with previous knowledge. Semantic processing is considered deep processing, a type of elaborative rehearsal. This makes the information personally relevant and more memorable.
Instead of simple repetition, depth of processing emphasizes linking information to existing knowledge or experiences, which helps create stronger memory traces in episodic memory.
So, what is depth of processing in the context of parenting, especially for highly sensitive children? Understanding this behavioral science principle can be game-changing. These kids are known to process information more deeply, experiencing the world with greater intensity. This processing affect can make certain situations harder on them.
By acknowledging their unique processing style, parents can help these children thrive. Parents and educators can use their understanding of the levels of processing effect to create encoding tasks that encourage deeper processing. This includes:
Think about teaching a highly sensitive child about sharing. Instead of simply stating, “Sharing is good,” we can engage them more deeply. For example, you might ask your child to think of a toy they cherish and consider how another child might feel if they didn’t get to play with it.
Let’s take bedtime routines as another example. Instead of a simple instruction to “go to sleep,” try incorporating a sensory experience like a lavender bath. The scent, warmth, and routine foster relaxation. Later, your child can link the lavender scent with calming feelings, aiding sleep. They aren’t just processing an instruction; they’re connecting with a comforting experience.
Helping them memorize multiplication facts? Rote learning might feel tedious. Instead, make connections by incorporating their interests. If the child loves dinosaurs, you might say: “Imagine 3 packs of dinosaurs each containing 4 dinosaurs, how many total dinosaurs do you have?”.
By incorporating your child’s interests, you’re supporting deep processing and better retention. These strategies resonate because they engage emotions and personal meaning, making information memorable.
Processing depth refers to the level at which we encode information into memory. Deeper processing, like considering meaning (semantic encoding), leads to better retention than shallower levels focused on appearance or sound (structural or phonemic processing). Think of it as “thinking about the thought.”
If learning new vocabulary, simply repeating a word is shallow processing. Analyzing its meaning, forming a sentence with it, and imagining real-world uses – those are deeper levels that take advantage of elaborative rehearsal.
Studies in experimental psychology using words or pictures often test depth of processing. People shown an image and asked about its color recall it less well than those asked to imagine themselves interacting with the object in the picture. That’s deeper processing at work.4
Because it strongly influences how well we learn and remember. Depth of processing is especially vital for those prone to shallow processing due to learning differences or sensory sensitivities. Teaching methods that tap into deeper encoding lead to better understanding and retention. Plus, making things meaningful makes them stick, making learning engaging instead of rote drudgery.
So, what is depth of processing? It’s a cognitive powerhouse of behavioral science that we all possess, and it’s more than a memory hack — it’s a framework for fostering meaningful learning and strong memory retention. It’s about enriching how we interact with information. By embracing deep processing techniques, we not only learn and remember better but also cultivate richer understanding, allowing ourselves and our kids to blossom into insightful and engaged individuals.
What Is Depth of Processing? A Guide for Mothers
Jill Gilbert
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