Final answer:
The best description for effective studying is Active engagement with material, encompassing strategies like elaborative rehearsal and problem-solving practice, which leads to deeper understanding and memory retention.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best description for studying is D) Active engagement with material. Active engagement goes beyond mere memorization of facts, and incorporates strategies like elaborative rehearsal which Craik and Lockhart discussed in their levels of processing theory. Instead of simply repeating information (rehearsal), elaborative rehearsal involves making meaningful connections with the material, such as linking it to existing knowledge or personal experiences. This deeper processing aids in transferring information from short-term to long-term memory, ultimately improving recall and understanding of the material. Problem-solving practice is also critical, as it builds analytical skills that can be applied to new situations, which is a form of active engagement with material and more effective for learning than rote repetition or memorization.