What Is Shallow Processing

Shallow processing is a way individuals process information according to the levels of processing theory developed by Craik and Lockhart. … Shallow processing uses only surface features for information processing and is not as involved as deep processing.

What are shallow and deep processing?

Depth of processing falls on a shallow to deep continuum. Shallow processing (e.g., processing based on phonemic and orthographic components) leads to a fragile memory trace that is susceptible to rapid decay. Conversely, deep processing (e.g., semantic processing) results in a more durable memory trace.

What is the shallowest level of processing?

Processing how a word looks is known as structural processing. Structural processing is the shallowest level of processing: If you see a sign for a restaurant but only engage in structural processing, you might remember that the sign was purple with a cursive font, but not actually remember the name of the restaurant.