Chunking
We process information better when put into small groups
The same information presented in a form that is easier to process has a significant effect on our ability to first read and then remember it.
Mathy & Feldman (2012). What’s magic about magic numbers? Chunking and data compression in short-term memory. Cognition.
The study
Setup
48 people were shown 100 sets of numbers of different lengths, split up into a number of smaller chunks. After seeing each set, they were asked to recall the numbers in a memory test.
Results
The results found that, on average, people were good at remembering about 7 numbers and 4 chunks before memory errors started kicking in.
In detail
Key Takeaways
Chunk for clarity.
Our short-term memory is limited, so whether you're designing a food menu or trying to share a new idea, prevent Analysis Paralysis by breaking information down into 3-5 smaller bites that are easier to process.
Chunk requests.
If you're asking for a lot of info from customers, how can you break the task into more manageable segments? Data capture company,
Typeform are a great example of this, turning the concept of chunking into a core USP for its data capture products.
Chunk for long-term understanding.
Boost knowledge retention by structuring each chunk learned to build upon what was learned in previous ones. Repeat past chunks to build a strong, modular connection between fragmented bouts of learning.
Language app, Duolingo does this in an engaging visual way.
Chunking
We process information better when put into small groups
The same information presented in a form that is easier to process has a significant effect on our ability to first read and then remember it.
Mathy & Feldman (2012). What’s magic about magic numbers? Chunking and data compression in short-term memory. Cognition.
The study
Setup
48 people were shown 100 sets of numbers of different lengths, split up into a number of smaller chunks. After seeing each set, they were asked to recall the numbers in a memory test.
Results
The results found that, on average, people were good at remembering about 7 numbers and 4 chunks before memory errors started kicking in.
Key Takeaways
Chunk for clarity.
Our short-term memory is limited, so whether you're designing a food menu or trying to share a new idea, prevent Analysis Paralysis by breaking information down into 3-5 smaller bites that are easier to process.
Chunk requests.
If you're asking for a lot of info from customers, how can you break the task into more manageable segments? Data capture company,
Typeform are a great example of this, turning the concept of chunking into a core USP for its data capture products.
Chunk for long-term understanding.
Boost knowledge retention by structuring each chunk learned to build upon what was learned in previous ones. Repeat past chunks to build a strong, modular connection between fragmented bouts of learning.
Language app, Duolingo does this in an engaging visual way.
Chunking
We process information better when put into small groups
The study
Setup
48 people were shown 100 sets of numbers of different lengths, split up into a number of smaller chunks. After seeing each set, they were asked to recall the numbers in a memory test.
Results
The results found that, on average, people were good at remembering about 7 numbers and 4 chunks before memory errors started kicking in.
In detail
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Chunking
