What is maintenance rehearsal?

Maintenance rehearsal refers to the cognitive process of repeatedly reciting information to keep it active in short-term memory. This technique is especially useful when one needs to remember data for a short duration, such as a phone number or a list of items. It does not require a deeper understanding or analysis of the information, but rather focuses on the repetition of the material to prevent it from fading from memory.

While other options suggest strategies that involve a more profound engagement with the material—like analyzing or making connections—maintenance rehearsal is distinct in its simplicity and focus on repetition. This repetition does not facilitate a deep understanding but is effective for short-term retention of information.