Final answer:
The memory strategy used by the student to remember the name 'Bob' by relating it to their cousin's name is known as elaborative rehearsal. It involves linking new information to existing knowledge, making it a deep and effective form of memory retention. c) Elaborative rehearsal .
Step-by-step explanation:
The memory strategy described is best characterized as elaborative rehearsal. This cognitive approach involves connecting new information with existing knowledge to aid in memorization. In the scenario, by associating the new acquaintance's name, Bob, with the student's cousin who shares the same name, they are engaging in this strategy. This method strengthens memory recall by creating a meaningful relationship between new and known information.
Elaborative rehearsal is effective because it requires deeper cognitive processing of the new information, thereby enhancing its storage in long-term memory. Through the act of linking the new acquaintance's name to the familiar name of their cousin, the student is not only repeating the information but also creating a personal connection, which boosts the likelihood of retention.
This memory-enhancing technique is superior to simple repetition because it involves a more complex form of processing. The strategy is based on the levels of processing hypothesis, which suggests that the depth of thought applied to information affects its retention. Engaging with the content at a deeper, more elaborate level allows for better recollection in the future.