Shallow Processing

Shallow processing refers to a way our brain quickly interprets information based on superficial features, such as how words look or sound, rather than understanding their deeper meaning. For example, when we see a word and recognize it without thinking about its context or significance, we're processing it shallowly. This type of processing requires less mental effort and is often used during initial reading or familiar tasks. While efficient for quick recognition, it usually doesn’t lead to long-lasting understanding or memory of the information, compared to deeper, more meaningful processing.