Which of the following encoding strategies helps in associating new information with one's personal life?

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Prepare for the MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The correct answer is self-referencing, which is a powerful encoding strategy because it involves relating new information to oneself or personal experiences. This method enhances memory retention and retrieval because individuals are generally more likely to remember information that they can connect to their own lives, making it more meaningful and relevant. By integrating new information with personal experiences, the brain encodes the material more deeply, allowing for better recall later on.

Chunking, on the other hand, involves breaking down large amounts of information into smaller, more manageable units, which helps to improve memory but does not necessarily create personal connections. Repetition is useful for reinforcing information by practicing recall, but it lacks the personal association that enhances emotional engagement with the material. Active reading can aid in comprehension and retention by promoting engagement with the text, but it does not focus specifically on personal relevance as self-referencing does. Each of these strategies has its own benefits, but self-referencing provides a unique advantage in creating lasting connections with new information.