What is the process called when items are organized into familiar units for easier memorization?

The process of organizing items into familiar units for easier memorization is known as chunking. Chunking allows individuals to break down large amounts of information into smaller, manageable units, or "chunks." This technique is particularly useful in enhancing memory capacity, as it helps the brain to process and retain information more efficiently. For example, instead of trying to memorize a long string of numbers, such as 149217761982, one might remember it as three separate chunks: 1492, 1776, and 1982. By utilizing chunking, the cognitive load is reduced, and retrieval of information becomes more straightforward.

This process contrasts with other cognitive strategies. Encoding refers to the initial learning of information, where sensory input is translated into a form that can be stored in memory. Categorization involves grouping items based on common characteristics or features, but it does not specifically focus on the memorization aspect as chunking does. Elaboration is a deeper processing technique that links new information with existing knowledge but does not directly address the method of organizing items into units for easier recall. Therefore, chunking is the most accurate term to describe the process of organizing information into familiar units to aid memory.