1. Levels of processing An alternative to the multistore model Emphasises memory process rather than structure Based on the idea that the strength of a memory trace is determined by how the original info was processed www.psychlotron.org.uk

2. Levels of processing Structural Weak memory traceStrong memory trace PhonologicalSemantic Shallow processingDeep processing www.psychlotron.org.uk

3. Levels of processing Incoming stimuli pass through a series of analysing mechanisms Memory traces are a product of how stimuli are analysed Strength of trace depends on: Attention paid to stimulus Depth of processing carried out Connections with existing knowledge www.psychlotron.org.uk

4. Levels of processing Different levels of processing: Structural – appearance Phonological – auditory/sound Semantic – meaning Structural is the shallowest, semantic is the deepest www.psychlotron.org.uk

5. Levels of processing The basic prediction of the LOP approach is that the amount of info pps will recall/recognise will depend on how deeply the experimental stimuli were processed www.psychlotron.org.uk

6. Levels of processing Elias & Perfetti (1973) PPs had greater recognition of words they had thought of similes for (semantic) than word they had thought of rhymes for (phono) Craik & Tulving (1975) Highest recognition of semantically processes stimuli, followed by phono, followed by structural www.psychlotron.org.uk

7. Levels of processing Morris et al (1977) Semantic processing was not always best; it depended on how recall was measured: Recognition – semantic best Rhyming recognition – phono best www.psychlotron.org.uk

8. Levels of processing Influential model that focused researchers on processes that they had tended to neglect The idea that the nature of a memory trace depends on encoding processes is well supported www.psychlotron.org.uk

9. Levels of processing Many different variables involved in determining how a stimulus is processed: Depth Spread Elaboration Distinctiveness Very difficult to isolate these variables experimentally www.psychlotron.org.uk

10. LOP and revision You will recall more if you use… Depth – make sure you understand & make connections between the topics & ideas Spread – use several different techniques on the material Elaboration – mental effort is required to store material effectively Distinctiveness – make the material your own www.psychlotron.org.uk