syvyyskäsittelyä

Syvyyskäsittely, known in English as depth processing or depth of processing, is a concept in cognitive psychology that describes how the effectiveness of memory encoding depends on the depth to which information is processed. The theory, primarily associated with Fergus Craik and Robert Lockhart, suggests that memories are formed based on how deeply information is analyzed and understood, rather than solely on the duration of its storage or repetition.

There are generally considered to be three levels of processing: shallow, intermediate, and deep. Shallow processing involves attending to the superficial or physical features of information, such as the font of a word or its pronunciation. Intermediate processing involves more structural analysis, such as identifying rhymes or categorizing words. Deep processing, on the other hand, involves semantic analysis, where information is related to existing knowledge, personal experiences, or its meaning.

Research indicates that information processed at a deeper, semantic level is more likely to be recalled and retained than information processed at shallower levels. This is because deep processing creates richer, more interconnected memory traces that are easier to retrieve. The principle of depth of processing has significant implications for learning and memory strategies, suggesting that active engagement with material and making meaningful connections enhances learning outcomes. It emphasizes understanding over rote memorization.