Explain the role of chunking in short-term memory.

Chunking is the process of grouping information into smaller, more manageable units. It plays a crucial role in short-term memory by allowing individuals to hold more information in their working memory.

Short-term memory has a limited capacity, and chunking helps to overcome this limitation by breaking down larger pieces of information into smaller, more meaningful units. For example, instead of trying to remember a random sequence of numbers like 9-4-2-7-1-6-8-5-3, one could chunk them into smaller groups like 942, 716, 853. This makes it easier to remember and recall the information.

Research has shown that individuals can hold up to 7±2 chunks of information in their working memory at any given time. However, by using chunking strategies, this capacity can be increased. This is because chunking allows individuals to use their long-term memory to store and retrieve information more efficiently, freeing up space in their working memory.

Chunking is also useful in helping individuals to remember information in a particular order, such as a list of instructions or steps. By breaking down the information into smaller, more manageable chunks, individuals can better organise the information and remember it more easily.

In conclusion, chunking plays a vital role in short-term memory by allowing individuals to overcome the limitations of their working memory. By breaking down larger pieces of information into smaller, more meaningful units, individuals can remember and recall information more efficiently.