Elaborative vs. maintenance rehearsal
Which strategy best moves new information into long-term memory?
Answer D: explanation for every choice
A
Repetition is maintenance rehearsal. It keeps information in short-term memory but transfers it to long-term memory poorly.
B
Chunking increases how much fits in short-term memory but does not by itself deepen processing.
C
Massed practice (cramming) is less effective than spacing study over time.
D
Correct. Elaborative rehearsal processes meaning and links new information to what you know, producing durable memories.
TakeawayDeeper processing of meaning beats repetition.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID ps44.