Related Experiment Videos
Levels of processing, transfer-appropriate processing, and the concept of robust encoding.
1Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. lockhart@psych.utoronto.ca
Memory (Hove, England)
|October 25, 2002
Summary
Levels of processing theory influences memory by affecting whether cognitive processing is appropriate for later retrieval. This transfer-appropriate processing account suggests robust encoding, though simple versions lack evidence.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Memory Research
Background:
- The levels of processing framework posits that deeper semantic analysis leads to better memory recall.
- Transfer-appropriate processing (TAP) suggests memory is best when cognitive operations at encoding match those at retrieval.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the theoretical relationship between levels of processing (LOP) and transfer-appropriate processing (TAP).
- To evaluate the concept of robust encoding as an explanation for the LOP effect within a TAP framework.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of existing cognitive psychology principles.
- Review and interpretation of empirical evidence related to encoding depth and retrieval success.
Main Results:
- A potential link exists where LOP influences the likelihood of TAP.
- Evidence for a simple "robust encoding" concept is currently limited.
- A modified version of robust encoding may offer a viable explanation.
Conclusions:
- The LOP effect may operate by modulating the transfer-appropriateness of cognitive operations.
- Further refinement of the robust encoding concept is needed to fully explain the LOP-TAP relationship.