What concept describes the memory technique that involves actively engaging with the material to improve retention?

The concept that describes the memory technique involving active engagement with the material to enhance retention is deep processing. This psychological principle focuses on how deeply the information is processed and understood, rather than simply memorized. When individuals engage in deep processing, they relate new information to existing knowledge, analyze its meaning, and even apply it in various contexts. This level of processing leads to stronger memory traces, making retrieval easier later on.

In contrast, passive learning refers to a more superficial approach to acquiring knowledge, where learners receive information without actively engaging with it. Shallow processing deals with focusing on the superficial aspects of the information, such as its physical characteristics or simple repetition, which leads to weaker retention. Active engagement is related but does not specifically refer to the depth of processing and its effects on memory retention, making deep processing the most accurate term for this concept in cognitive psychology.