A technique of combining many units of information into a limited number of units or chunks, so that the information is easier to process and remember.
The term chunk refers to a unit of information in working memory - a string of letters, a word, or a series of numbers.
The technique of chunking seeks to accommodate working memory limits by formatting information into a small number of units.
Chunk information when people are required to recall and retain information, or when information is used for problem solving.
Do not chunk information that is to be searched or scanned. For example, it is unnecessary and counterproductive to restrict the number of dictionary entries on a page to four or five. Reference- related tasks consist primarily of scanning for a particular item; chunking in this case would dramatically increase the scan time and effort, and yield no benefits.
- Bullet Points and Lists: Use bullet points and numbered lists to present key points clearly and concisely.
- Example: Instead of presenting a long list of items, group related items together. For instance, phone numbers are often chunked into segments (e.g., 555-123-4567).