Which term means adding additional ideas to new information based on what one already knows?

Which term means adding additional ideas to new information based on what one already knows?

• A. Skimming
• B. Verbal information
• C. Discrimination
• D. Elaboration

Answer: (D)

Elaboration is a memory strategy that involves adding new ideas to incoming information by linking it to what you already know. When you elaborate, you go beyond the surface, creating connections, examples, explanations, or inferences that tie the new material to your prior knowledge. This deeper processing builds richer mental representations, making it easier to encode and later retrieve the information. Skimming focuses on quickly getting the gist without forming those deeper connections. Verbal information describes the form of the content rather than a processing strategy. Discrimination is about telling things apart, not about expanding new information with existing knowledge.

Elaboration is a memory strategy that involves adding new ideas to incoming information by linking it to what you already know. When you elaborate, you go beyond the surface, creating connections, examples, explanations, or inferences that tie the new material to your prior knowledge. This deeper processing builds richer mental representations, making it easier to encode and later retrieve the information.

Skimming focuses on quickly getting the gist without forming those deeper connections. Verbal information describes the form of the content rather than a processing strategy. Discrimination is about telling things apart, not about expanding new information with existing knowledge.