Final answer:
William is using the memory strategy known as chunking to remember his nine-digit Social Security number by breaking it into manageable chunks.
Step-by-step explanation:
When William attempts to remember his new nine-digit Social Security number by breaking it down into three segments of three digits each, he is using a memory strategy known as chunking. Chunking refers to the process of organizing information into manageable units or chunks, which helps facilitate the encoding process in memory. This technique is common when trying to remember numerical information or dates, such as phone numbers, by grouping the numbers into smaller, more easily memorable parts. In the context of the choices provided (a) Chunking, (b) Encoding, (c) Retrieval, (d) Storage, the correct answer to the question is a) Chunking.
William is demonstrating chunking. Chunking is a memory-enhancing strategy that involves organizing information into manageable bits or chunks. In this case, William is grouping his nine-digit Social Security number into three groups of three digits each, making it easier for him to remember.