Question

Suppose that you are trying to memorize a friend's phone number, so you repeat it over and over to yourself without analyzing it or giving it meaning. In terms of the levels of processing approach, this would be considered processing:

a) At a shallow level
b) At a deep level
c) At an intermediate level
d) With elaborative rehearsal

Answer 1

Repeating a phone number without giving it meaning is considered shallow level processing, which focuses minimally on the meaning and is less effective for long-term memory compared to deeper processing strategies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer to the question is a) At a shallow level:

Repeating a phone number over and over without giving it meaning or analysis is indicative of shallow processing, which according to the levels of processing approach, involves minimal attention to meaning. This is contrasted with deep processing, where the information is related to other concepts, making it more memorable. In the given example, there is no connection made to existing knowledge or experiences; the number is simply repeated, which represents shallow, not deep or elaborative rehearsal.

Elaborative rehearsal involves linking new information with existing knowledge, thereby facilitating a deeper level of processing and better memory retention. Chunking is another memory technique that organizes information into manageable units and can potentially be combined with elaborative rehearsal, but the described scenario does not mention any such techniques. Instead, it reflects a more surface level of engagement with the material, which is not as effective for long-term memory storage as deeper processing strategies.