Final answer:
Sarah used chunking to organize the zip code into manageable groups making it easier to remember. While rehearsal could also aid in retention, the personal significance of the numbers suggests semantic encoding was also at play.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sarah made it easier to hold the number in her working memory through the process of chunking. This involves organizing information into manageable bits or chunks which is helpful when trying to remember information like zip codes or phone numbers. For example, instead of remembering a long sequence of numbers, breaking them down into smaller groups, such as with a phone number (520-555-0467), makes it easier to recall. Rehearsal involves repeating the information to move it from short-term to long-term memory, which is another way to solidify memories.
Semantic encoding is another memory strategy which involves encoding the meaning of words and their associations which helps in deeper processing and better retention. However, in this scenario, since Sarah noticed that all the digits of the zip code were significant to her, it is more likely she used personal relevance or associations to help in remembering the number—an example of semantic encoding. Lastly, iconic memory refers to the visual sensory memory register pertaining to the visual domain and a fast-decaying store of visual information, which is not directly applicable to the scenario described.