käsittelysyvyydestä

Käsittelysyvyys, or "depth of processing" in English, is a psychological concept that describes the extent to which information is processed and encoded into memory. The theory suggests that memory recall is a function of the depth of mental processing.

Shallow processing involves focusing on the superficial, physical, or sensory characteristics of information, such as the font of a word or the sound of a spoken phrase. This type of processing leads to less durable memories and poorer recall.

In contrast, deep processing involves engaging with the meaning and semantic content of information. This includes making connections to existing knowledge, considering the significance of the information, and elaborating on it. For example, understanding the meaning of a word or relating a historical event to personal experiences represents deep processing.

The levels of processing framework, proposed by Craik and Lockhart in 1972, highlights that memory is not a result of distinct stages but rather a continuum of processing depth. Information processed more deeply is more likely to be remembered because it is encoded in a richer, more organized, and more interconnected way in the brain. This has significant implications for learning and memory strategies, suggesting that active engagement with material, rather than rote memorization, is more effective for long-term retention.