This cognitive process involves repeatedly verbalizing or thinking about information to keep it active in short-term memory. It does not involve connecting the information to existing knowledge or elaborating on its meaning. An example would be repeating a phone number to oneself until it can be dialed. This simple repetition maintains the information in awareness but does not necessarily transfer it to long-term storage.
The significance of this process lies in its ability to temporarily hold information, facilitating immediate tasks. While beneficial for maintaining data for brief periods, its effectiveness in achieving long-term retention is limited. Historically, it was recognized as a basic strategy for memory retention, forming part of early models of memory. However, it contrasts with more effective methods like elaborative rehearsal, which creates stronger memory traces.