In the context of the structure of language, chunking improves short-term memory by:

• A. eliminating the need for rehearsal in memory retention
• B. organizing information into meaningful units, making it easier to remember
• C. converting short-term memories directly into long-term memories without processing
• D. increasing the total capacity of short-term memory beyond its natural limits

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of chunking in the context of short-term memory. Chunking is a cognitive strategy that involves grouping individual pieces of information into larger, meaningful units or 'chunks'.
2. Recognize that short-term memory has a limited capacity, often described as holding about 7 ± 2 items. Chunking helps by organizing information into fewer, more manageable units, rather than increasing the raw capacity.
3. Consider how chunking affects rehearsal. While rehearsal (repeating information) helps maintain information in short-term memory, chunking primarily improves memory by structuring information, not by eliminating the need for rehearsal.
4. Analyze the options given: chunking does not convert short-term memories directly into long-term memories without processing, nor does it increase the total capacity of short-term memory beyond its natural limits.
5. Conclude that chunking improves short-term memory by organizing information into meaningful units, which makes it easier to encode, retain, and recall the information.