| Chapter 1: | Study One: Introduction / Overview of Study Goals |
Also, as noted earlier, how information is originally encoded can help in its later retrieval, especially when retrieval cues are used (Tulving & Osler, 1968; Tulving & Patterson, 1968; Tulving & Thomson, 1973).
The process of learning outlined by the Limited Capacity Model highlights stages in which information is received, processed, and stored for later retrieval. We can make this process more efficient by focusing on the storage portion of the model. If concepts are linked in a meaningful way it should be easier to access particular pieces of information. Deep processing of information should help to create such meaningful linkages.
Elaboration.
Elaboration has been defined as a method of adding learned information to knowledge by linking the new information to previously acquired information through examples, inferences, or other means (Schunk, 2000). The concept has been referred to by several different terms such as information processing (Weinstein, Zimmermann, & Palmer, 1988), covert cognitive processes (Kardash & Amlund, 1991), synthesis-analysis (Schmek, Ribich, & Ramanaiah, 1977), as well as deep or elaborative processing (Entwistle & Waterston, 1988; Schmek, 1983; Schmek, 1988; Schmek, Geisler-Brenstein, & Cercy, 1991). Although the terms differ in each of these articles, the concept remains very similar in each and generally focuses on an active attempt to process information by thinking deeply about it, connecting it to previously acquired information, or mentally applying it to situations.
Elaboration has been studied in relation to memory. Craik and Lockhart (1972) suggest that deeper processing in the form of elaboration is necessary to improve memory, or long term retention of information in memory. Furthermore, Seifert (1993) examined elaborative interrogation, a process in which individuals make inferences to newly acquired information by asking themselveswhythis information might be related to some other fact. He found that elaboration led to better memory for main concepts.
Examining elaboration during web use, Eveland and Dunwoody (2000) examined information processing while using a web site and found that 25% of the thoughts expressed by participants indicated elaborative thoughts concerning the information encountered.