Final answer:
The term for the practice of grouping items into categories to improve memory is 'chunking'. This involves organizing information into manageable units. Other strategies such as semantic networks and elaborative rehearsal also play a vital role in enhancing memory.
Step-by-step explanation:
The practice of grouping information into categories to enhance memory recall is known as chunking. This technique involves organizing information into manageable bits or chunks, making it easier to remember complex strings of information by breaking them down into smaller, more digestible units. For example, phone numbers are often chunked into segments, which is why we remember them as 123-456-7890 instead of a long string of numbers like 1234567890.
Another memory technique is the construction of semantic networks, where concepts are organized in a hierarchical structure in the mind. These interconnected concepts help us understand relationships and associations, forming a web of knowledge that can be more readily accessed. This system is akin to a mental 'file cabinet' where related concepts are linked together, easing the retrieval of information when needed.
Additionally, mnemonic devices like acronyms and acrostics can be used alongside elaborative rehearsal, a method of deeply processing information by linking it to other knowledge to aid in long-term memory consolidation. Putting into practice a combination of these strategies can significantly improve memory retention and recall, which can be essential when studying for exams or remembering important information in everyday life.