What strategy involves combining bits of related information for better retention?

The strategy of chunking involves grouping related pieces of information into larger, manageable units, which enhances memory retention. This technique is based on the idea that our short-term memory can hold a limited number of items, typically around seven, plus or minus two. By creating chunks, individuals can increase the amount of information they can remember. For example, when trying to remember a long string of numbers, combining them into chunks (such as 123-456-7890 instead of 1234567890) makes it easier to recall.

Chunking is widely used in various contexts, from learning new vocabulary in a foreign language to memorizing phone numbers or academic material. It is a powerful memory strategy that leverages the brain’s ability to recognize patterns and relationships among different bits of information, ultimately facilitating improved recall.