US High School Psychology Practice Exam

What is the benefit of chunking information in short-term memory?

1. It allows for longer retention of information

2. It simplifies the encoding process

3. It enhances memory retrieval

4. It increases memory capacity beyond normal limits

The correct answer is: It simplifies the encoding process

Chunking information in short-term memory is particularly beneficial because it simplifies the encoding process. When individuals group pieces of information into manageable units or "chunks," they can more easily process and remember the material. For example, instead of trying to remember a long string of digits like 149217761941, chunking allows a person to view this as 1492, 1776, 1941—three significant historical years, making it simpler to recall. The process of chunking leverages our brain's innate ability to recognize patterns and simplifies the complexity of information, facilitating a smoother transition of data from short-term memory to long-term memory. This enhanced organization allows for easier manipulation and retrieval of that information later on. Ultimately, while chunking aids in making the encoding process more efficient, it does not necessarily increase memory capacity beyond the normal limits, nor does it fundamentally change the duration or retrieval abilities of stored information in short-term memory.