Transfer-appropriate processing
Encyclopedia
Transfer-appropriate processing is a type of state-dependent memory specifically showing that memory
performance is not only determined by the depth of processing (where associating meaning with information strengthens the memory; see levels-of-processing effect
), but by the relationship between how information is initially encoded
and how it is later retrieved
. Memory will be best when the processes engaged in during encoding match those engaged in during retrieval.
An example of this is how when a sound is associated with a memory, recall is enhanced. This can be seen in some degree in rhythm games, such as in the video game Guitar Hero. When an individual plays the guitar, they are required to press keys corresponding with symbols on the screen. When doing this, a specific sound plays corresponding with the key pressed. What transfer-appropriate processing suggests is that after the initial learning had occurred, if the player were then to play the guitar without the associated sounds, there would be a decline in performance, whereas if sounds were heard, as it was originally, then performance will be enhanced.
This phenomenon has been shown empirically, specifically in a study by Morris and associates (1977) using semantic and rhyme tasks. In a standard recognition test, memory was better following semantic processing
compared to rhyme processing (the levels-of-processing effect). However, in a rhyming recognition test, memory was better for those who engaged in rhyme processing compared to semantic processing.
Memory
In psychology, memory is an organism's ability to store, retain, and recall information and experiences. Traditional studies of memory began in the fields of philosophy, including techniques of artificially enhancing memory....
performance is not only determined by the depth of processing (where associating meaning with information strengthens the memory; see levels-of-processing effect
Levels-of-processing effect
The levels-of-processing effect, identified by Fergus I. M. Craik and Robert S. Lockhart in 1972, describes memory recall of stimuli as a function of the depth of mental processing. Depth of processing falls on a shallow to deep continuum. Shallow processing leads to a fragile memory trace that...
), but by the relationship between how information is initially encoded
Encoding (Memory)
Memory has the ability to encode, store and recall information. Memories give an organism the capability to learn and adapt from previous experiences as well as build relationships. Encoding allows the perceived item of use or interest to be converted into a construct that can be stored within the...
and how it is later retrieved
Recollection
Recall in memory refers to the retrieval of events or information from the past. Along with encoding and storage, it is one of the three core processes of memory. There are three main types of recall: free recall, cued recall and serial recall...
. Memory will be best when the processes engaged in during encoding match those engaged in during retrieval.
An example of this is how when a sound is associated with a memory, recall is enhanced. This can be seen in some degree in rhythm games, such as in the video game Guitar Hero. When an individual plays the guitar, they are required to press keys corresponding with symbols on the screen. When doing this, a specific sound plays corresponding with the key pressed. What transfer-appropriate processing suggests is that after the initial learning had occurred, if the player were then to play the guitar without the associated sounds, there would be a decline in performance, whereas if sounds were heard, as it was originally, then performance will be enhanced.
This phenomenon has been shown empirically, specifically in a study by Morris and associates (1977) using semantic and rhyme tasks. In a standard recognition test, memory was better following semantic processing
Semantic memory
Semantic memory refers to the memory of meanings, understandings, and other concept-based knowledge unrelated to specific experiences. The conscious recollection of factual information and general knowledge about the world is generally thought to be independent of context and personal relevance...
compared to rhyme processing (the levels-of-processing effect). However, in a rhyming recognition test, memory was better for those who engaged in rhyme processing compared to semantic processing.