Ever wonder why you seem to remember some things better than others? You can likely remember a nice day at the park, but forget what you ate for lunch last week. The Levels of Processing Theory is a way to comprehend how our brains retain information. This theory is a kind of mental mileage indicator, that tells us how much we have engaged with and therefore remember something.
Levels of Processing Theory: What is it?
The theory of Craik and Lockhart, the Levels of Processing Theory was proposed in 1972 (Craik & Lockhart). They were interested in understanding what makes certain memories long-lasting and others short-lived. The idea behind this was entirely basic: the longer you think of something, it would create a stronger memory! So, if you just think of it slightly then it’s very easy to forget and vice versa.
However, due to it being something you think about a lot and connect with other knowledge that is floating around in your head anyway., this memory concoction will remain well preserved for much longer than the ’60s.
How Does This Theory Work?
This theory explains the levels at which your brain processes (or thinks about) information. The latter tends to follow regularities and has certain levels, remember it this way–those are like the steps on a ladder that in every attempt gives you additional help for remembering.
The beginning of shallow processing
Shallow processing: this is the first level. This is when you simplify something(mentsche) Shallow processing is when you see the word “CAT”, and all that goes through your mind is what it appears to be (those letters, ‘C-A-T’). You are only cherry-picking the language nuance visually or aurally speaking, but not truly discerning its meaning. But because you are not pondering on it, the word might soon escape your mind.
The Next Step: Deep Processing
Deep Processing –Second Level This Is When You Delve Into Something For example, if you think about what a cat is and how it looks like, behaves … or even your favorite memories involving any cats — that information gets processed deeply. You are associating the word “CAT” with other words or objects that you know. This helps reinforce the information in your memory.
Why Deep Processing Is Necessary?
Deep processing is where we remember stuff for AGES! The more deeply you think about something, the less likely to will forget it — your brain makes connections. Kaveria remembered that these connections are the roads through which one walks their way back to their memories. The greater the number of connections (or roads) that you have, the simpler it will be to return to that memory.
Take your favorite movie for example. You likely remember the plot and some of your favorite characters or scenes After all, you would have spent time working your way through the movie. You didn’t just see it–you mulled over the film and discussed it with friends about watching it in theaters again. All of those things more effectively assisted in your understanding of the movie.
How One Could Utilize This Theory in Actual Life? []
Understanding the Levels of Processing Theory, now apply this to help you retain information better. Here’s how:
Think About the Meaning
Make yourself understood when you learn something new, and speak on what it says, not how “-ly” is put in that verb. When learning a new word, for instance, try to imagine how you might be able to use that word in a sentence or relate it to something else you already know.
Make Connections
Associate the fresh things with something you already know. For instance, if you are studying a group of animals think about how each one is alike or different from the pets in your life. ON THE OTHER HAND, THIS HELPED IN FORMING MORE PATHWAYS TO GET BACK INTO THAT MEMORY.
Use Your Imagination
Take an easy picture in your head concept, and take portrait photos. When you study space, think about what it would be like to visit the moon. When you see information it sticks in your head.
Teach Someone Else
Used as one of the greatest methods in recalling something—teach someone. By reiterating something in your own words, you are making sense of the concept and engraving it into your memory.
Shallow vs Deep Processing Examples
Examples of shallow and deep processing A few more examples to get this difference(Query):
Example of Shallow Processing: You see the word ‘DOG’ and your thought process is simply D-O-G. You are only paying attention to how the word looks, which is shallow processing.
For example, deep processing looks like this: You think about your dog or a dog you saw in a movie; You remember how soft its fur is, and that it barks……and oh boy does that dog like to play fetch. Deep processing: Connecting with what you already know
Why We Forget Things
There are instances where we simply forget because it was not processed deeply enough. No matter how experienced you are, if little of what he says can be related to any experience you had before, then it is just like a weak road which scratches each time_Tracy Liu This memory is likely gone, as there are insufficient strong connections that could allow you to recall it later.
How Teachers Use This Theory
Practical implications for teachers Although the LOP account is a theory of memory, there are practical ways in which its concepts can be employed to facilitate student learning. In addition, rather than requiring students to memorize facts mechanically and in isolation, their educators inspire them to engage with the reality behind those enduring truths. That way, students will retain the information better and for longer intervals.
For instance, if (St) is studying history then the Teacher might ask students to experience life at that time. When students put themselves in the lives of people from history, they are more likely to remember significant events and facts.
Although not a crisis in themselves, such thoughts give reason to explain the power of deep processing.
Levels of Processing Theory principal idea
The best encoding material is the one you think most deeply about (depth). While shallow processing can make you remember things in the short run, it is deep processing that forms strong and enduring structures of memories. When you think about the meaning of data, link information and use your imagination to remember faster.
Remember to ponder next time you learn something. You will create strong pathways in your brain and reference this memory for years. Levels of Processing Theory reminds us that what we think about something is important for recalling it later on.
