What technique involves breaking down large amounts of information into smaller, manageable pieces?

Chunking is a cognitive strategy used to enhance memory retention by organizing information into smaller, more manageable units or "chunks." This technique helps learners process and store large amounts of information more effectively, reducing cognitive overload. For example, when trying to remember a long sequence of numbers, such as a phone number, breaking it down into smaller segments (like 123-456-7890) allows for easier recall than attempting to memorize all the digits at once.

The effectiveness of chunking lies in its ability to leverage the brain's natural tendency to organize information into patterns. This method is particularly valuable in educational settings, where complex subjects can often overwhelm students if presented as an unstructured mass of facts. By using chunking, students can create meaningful associations and improve their ability to retrieve the information later.

In contrast, elaborative encoding involves connecting new information to existing knowledge, mental mapping refers to creating visual representations of information, and attention focuses on the cognitive process of concentrating on specific stimuli in the environment, none of which specifically emphasize the breakdown of information into manageable portions like chunking does.