shallow processing psychology definition

E Authors

2 min read

·

13-10-2024

99

0

Share

Shallow Processing: The Surface Level of Understanding

Have you ever skimmed an article, remembering only a few key words or a general idea? That's an example of shallow processing in psychology. It refers to the way we process information superficially, focusing on basic features like visual appearance or sound, without engaging with the deeper meaning.

What is Shallow Processing?

According to Craik and Lockhart's Levels of Processing theory (1972), shallow processing occurs when we pay attention to the physical features of a stimulus, like the color of a word or the sound of a voice. Think of it like glancing at the surface of a pond without diving in to explore the depths.

Here are some key characteristics of shallow processing:

• Focus on basic features: This involves attending to things like the font, size, or sound of a word.
• Little effort or cognitive engagement: Shallow processing doesn't require much thought or analysis.
• Weak memory encoding: Information processed superficially is less likely to be remembered for long.

Deeper Dive into Shallow Processing: Examples and Insights

Imagine you are studying for an exam:

• Shallow Processing: You might highlight the key terms in your textbook without actually reading the text or understanding the concepts.
• Deep Processing: You would engage with the material by summarizing the main points in your own words, connecting concepts, and relating them to real-life examples.

Here are some real-life examples of shallow processing:

• Remembering the title of a song but not the lyrics: You recognize the tune based on its melody, not the meaning of the words.
• Skimming through a magazine article for a specific picture: You focus on the visual aspect rather than the content of the text.
• Repeating a phone number to yourself without understanding its meaning: You are only engaging with the auditory features of the number, not its significance.

Why does shallow processing matter?

Understanding the concept of shallow processing is crucial because:

• It helps us to appreciate the importance of active learning: Deeply engaging with information leads to better comprehension and retention.
• It explains why we sometimes forget information quickly: Shallow processing doesn't create strong memory traces.
• It highlights the role of cognitive effort in learning: To remember information effectively, we need to go beyond surface-level understanding.

Want to move beyond shallow processing?

Try these strategies:

• Ask questions about the material: This encourages active thinking and deeper understanding.
• Connect concepts to real-life examples: Relatable examples make information more meaningful and easier to remember.
• Summarize information in your own words: This forces you to process the information more deeply.
• Teach the material to someone else: Explaining concepts to others enhances your own understanding.

By understanding the limitations of shallow processing, we can develop more effective learning and memory strategies. Remember, deep processing is the key to true knowledge and lasting memories!

References:

• Craik, F. I. M., & Lockhart, R. S. (1972). Levels of processing: A framework for memory research. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 11(6), 671-684. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0022537172900093

Keywords: Shallow processing, deep processing, levels of processing, memory, learning, cognitive psychology, Craik and Lockhart, understanding, information, attention, encoding, retention, strategies, active learning.