Which term describes the phenomenon of remembering things better through familiarity rather than understanding?

The phenomenon of remembering information through familiarity rather than a deeper understanding relates to shallow processing. This type of processing involves a superficial level of engagement with the material, often focusing on surface characteristics rather than the underlying meaning. For instance, when someone encounters information superficially, they might remember it based on its physical features—like how it looks or sounds—rather than grasping the concepts or connections associated with it.

In contrast, deep processing involves a more thorough engagement, where one analyzes and reflects on the meaning of information, thus leading to stronger retention and recall. Priming and chunking are cognitive strategies that influence memory in different ways but do not specifically address the difference between familiarity and understanding in the context suggested by the question. Priming relates to the increased likelihood of recalling information based on previously encountered cues, while chunking involves breaking down information into manageable units to enhance memory retention.

Therefore, the term that best captures the idea of remembering through familiarity is shallow processing.