You're watching one movie with a friend (Toy Story 4) and start thinking about another (The Matrix). You reference something from The Matrix and your friend tells you they were just thinking about that same movie. Your friend asks if you think it was just a coincidence that you were both thinking about the Matrix while watching another movie or whether there might be a logical explanation. After discussing some ideas, you realize that the connection may have had something to do with the fact one actor (Keanu Reeves) is in both movies. Several months later you are reminded of Toy Story 4. Despite being a relatively minor character, you remember the character played by Keanu Reeves more clearly than many of the other (more major) characters. What concept could potentially explain why you would have remembered that character better than other more major characters?
A)decay of memory traces
B)levels of processing
C)overlearning
D)iconic memory
E)shadowing

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The concept of levels of processing explains why you would remember the character played by Keanu Reeves better than other more major characters. This concept suggests that the depth at which information is thought about affects how well it is remembered. In this case, discussing the connection between "Toy Story 4" and "The Matrix" because of Keanu Reeves would have led to deeper cognitive processing about his character, making it more memorable.

You're Watching One Movie with a Friend (Toy Story 4)