Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
This theory suggests that the depth of processing affects how well information is encoded into long-term memory. It proposes that deeper, more meaningful processing leads to better memory retention compared to shallow, surface-level processing.
Related terms
Elaborative Encoding: The process of connecting new information with existing knowledge or memories in order to enhance encoding.
Semantic Processing: A type of deep processing that involves associating meaning and making connections with other concepts during encoding.