Peter and Paul are both listening to the same lecture. Peter is trying to learn the information being presented so that he can remember it later on. Paul is listening closely but not necessarily trying to remember it. From a levels-of-processing perspective, we would predict that:
A) Peter is engaging in incidental learning, so will probably remember more.
B) Paul is likely to process the information at a deeper level, so will probably remember more.
C) Both boys will remember the same amount if they process the information in the same way.
D) Both boys will remember the same amount if they are equally alert.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

From a levels-of-processing perspective, the depth of processing (i.e., how deeply information is processed) is more important for memory than the intention to learn. Therefore, if both boys process the information in the same way (regardless of their intention to remember it), they would be predicted to remember the same amount.

Peter and Paul Are Both Listening to the Same Lecture