Levels of Processing

The Levels of Processing theory suggests that the way information is thought about affects how well it is remembered. Deeper processing—such as thinking about the meaning or making connections—leads to stronger, longer-lasting memories. In contrast, shallow processing, like focusing only on surface features (such as appearance or sound), results in weaker memory retention. Essentially, the more you engage with information by understanding and relating it, the better you'll remember it later. This idea emphasizes that meaningful, active thinking enhances learning and memory retention.