The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between two contrasting research paradigms, namely, cognitive and experiential research, a significant literature review previously unaddressed. To achieve this objective, a conceptual description of three theoretical frameworks, Dual-Store model, Levels of Processing (LOP; drawn from cognitive psychology) and Students Approaches to Learning (SAL; drawn from experiential research) was undertaken. Then, the relationship between Dual Store Model and LOP and a relationship between SAL and LOP is explained using research in cognitive and educational fields. Articles for this review were retrieved from three electronic databases, viz., PsycINFO, ERIC and Google Scholar. These were searched using variations and Boolean connections of key terms, Dual-Store model, Levels of Processing, Students Approaches to Learning, Learning Strategies and literature review. Results suggest a significant amount of overlap between the concepts related to student learning within these theoretical frameworks and their contribution in understanding student's study processes. This review examines students' learning processes from an internal perspective. Future research examining study processes from the external perspective, such as investigating the influence of teaching methods and assessment methods on students learning processes could be beneficial. An appendix provides tabular data detailing the relationship between students' approaches to learning (SAL) and levels of processing (LOP) as empirically investigated by Entwistle and Waterston (1988). (Contains 1 table and 1 figure.)