Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) Practice Test

According to the levels of processing theory, the best way to remember a list of ten unrelated words is to?

1. Memorize the words in pairs

2. Chunk words that start with the same letter

3. Repeat the words past the point of mastery

4. Make a sentence using the words

The correct answer is: Make a sentence using the words

Making a sentence using the words is the most effective strategy according to levels of processing theory because it encourages deeper processing of the information. This theory suggests that the depth of processing affects how well information is retained and retrieved. When you create a sentence, you engage in semantic processing, which involves understanding the meaning of the words and how they relate to each other. This level of engagement creates stronger associations in memory compared to more superficial strategies. In contrast, memorizing words in pairs or chunking them based on their initial letters may involve a more mechanical form of processing that does not enhance understanding or integration of ideas. Similarly, repeating the words past the point of mastery can lead to rote memorization, which might not facilitate long-term retention as effectively as meaningful sentence creation. Thus, using the words in a coherent sentence maximizes understanding and retention, aligning perfectly with the principles of levels of processing theory.