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Elaboration Strategies
Expand on information by adding details, examples, and connections to enhance understanding.
Encoding20-25 min
The Science Behind It
Elaboration creates rich, interconnected memory networks by adding meaningful details and connections. This depth of processing leads to better retention and understanding.
How It Works
Understanding the cognitive mechanisms
- 1Additional details create more retrieval cues
- 2Connections integrate new and old knowledge
- 3Meaningful processing enhances encoding
- 4Rich networks support understanding
Practical Implementation
Step-by-step guide to apply this technique
Key Benefits
What you'll gain from mastering this technique
- Improves retention by 40-50%
- Deepens understanding
- Makes information more meaningful
- Enhances transfer and application
Supporting Research
Scientific evidence backing this technique
Elaborative processing improved recall by 50% compared to shallow processing
Craik & Tulving, 1975 - Journal of Experimental Psychology
Depth of processing is a key determinant of memory strength
Craik & Lockhart, 1972 - Journal of Verbal Learning