In cognitive psychology, the purpose of using categorization for remembering information is to

• A. eliminate the need for rehearsal in memory processes
• B. organize information into meaningful groups, making it easier to encode and retrieve
• C. reduce the influence of prior knowledge on memory
• D. increase the amount of sensory input received

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of categorization in cognitive psychology: it involves grouping information based on shared features or meanings.
2. Recognize that categorization helps memory by organizing information into meaningful groups, which aids in encoding (storing) and retrieval (recalling) processes.
3. Consider why eliminating rehearsal is not the main purpose: rehearsal is a separate memory strategy involving repetition, not categorization.
4. Evaluate the other options: reducing prior knowledge influence or increasing sensory input are not primary functions of categorization in memory.
5. Conclude that the key purpose of categorization is to organize information into meaningful groups, making it easier to encode and retrieve.