Which process involves giving meaning to information and linking it to other memories?

Elaborative rehearsal is the process of actively giving meaning to information and connecting it to existing memories, which enhances the likelihood of retaining that information in long-term memory. By making connections and creating associations, this technique helps to deepen understanding and facilitates retrieval later on. For instance, when studying, a student might relate a new concept to something they already know, thereby embedding it more firmly in their memory.

In contrast, chunking involves breaking down larger pieces of information into smaller, manageable units for easier recall, but it does not necessarily involve adding meaning or linking to prior knowledge. Proactive interference refers to the difficulty in learning new information due to the influence of previously learned information. Maintenance rehearsal consists of repetitive verbalization or thinking of information without creating any deeper understanding or connections, simply aiming to keep it in short-term memory without enhancing its meaning. Therefore, elaborative rehearsal is distinct in its focus on meaning-making and integration with existing memories.