A common application of chunking is memorizing phone numbers. Instead of attempting to recall a long string of digits like 5205550467, the number is organized into smaller, more memorable segments, such as 520-555-0467.

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Chunking is a memory strategy that involves organizing information into smaller, more manageable bits or chunks. As noted by Bodie, Powers, & Fitch-Hauser (2006), this method is particularly useful for remembering series of items like dates and phone numbers.

Chunking

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Example of Chunking: Remembering a Phone Number

Memory strategies can be used in combination for greater effectiveness. For instance, after organizing a phone number into manageable chunks, one can then use rehearsal by consciously repeating the chunked number to aid in memorization.

Combining Chunking and Rehearsal

A student is trying to memorize their new 10-digit student ID number: 9195551776. They find it difficult to recall the entire sequence at once. Which of the following approaches is the best example of using the strategy of organizing information into smaller, more manageable units to improve memory?

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