Final answer:
The term referring to the likelihood that certain sounds will follow each other in cognitive processing theory is called acoustic probability. It is associated with acoustic encoding and it leverages natural language patterns and sounds to improve memory retention.
Step-by-step explanation:
In cognitive processing theory, the concept that refers to the likelihood that certain sounds will follow each other is known as acoustic probability. The correct answer to the question is option a) Acoustic probability. Acoustic probability is related to acoustic encoding, which describes how sounds, especially the sounds that make up words, are stored in memory. This form of encoding is beneficial when relating to verbal information because it takes advantage of the patterns and sequences of sounds that are familiar to us, such as music and rhythm found in language patterns like rhymes and songs, to help us remember information.
Learning phenomena such as the ABC song leverage acoustic encoding by teaching children the alphabet through memorable tunes. Similarly, mnemonic devices utilizing rhymes depend on the natural acoustic probabilities established by language patterns to enhance memory retention. Such strategies exploit the brain's tendency to better recall information encoded through sounds, especially when those sounds form expected sequences or patterns, making it an effective tool for learning and memorization.