What does chunking refer to in the context of memory?

Chunking refers to the cognitive process by which individuals organize large quantities of information into more manageable segments or units. This technique enhances memory retention and recall by allowing people to group related items together, thereby reducing the cognitive load. For instance, when trying to remember a long string of numbers, like a phone number, individuals often break it down into smaller, familiar groups (e.g., 555-123-4567 rather than 5551234567).

By structuring information into these smaller groups or "chunks," individuals can more efficiently encode and retrieve memories. This process leverages the brain's natural inclination to find patterns and relationships among the information presented, facilitating easier access during recall. In this way, chunking serves as an effective strategy for improving memory performance.