Which of the following strategies helps reduce the processing load for attention?

Using external cognitive aids is an effective strategy for reducing the processing load for attention. External cognitive aids can include tools such as lists, diagrams, calendars, or reminders that help individuals manage information and tasks externally rather than relying solely on internal cognitive resources. By offloading some of the mental effort required to remember or process information, individuals can free up cognitive resources to focus on more complex tasks or important details. This is especially beneficial in situations where attention is required for multiple tasks or when cognitive load is high.

In contrast, while self-talk, metacognitive strategies, and chaining can be helpful in various contexts, they primarily focus on internal cognitive processes. Self-talk can assist in organizing thoughts or managing behavior but does not alleviate the reliance on cognitive processing. Metacognitive strategies involve awareness and regulation of one’s cognitive processes, which can enhance learning but may still require significant attention and mental effort. Chaining is a technique often used in sequential learning tasks, where steps are linked together, but it doesn’t necessarily reduce the cognitive load; rather, it organizes it into manageable parts. Thus, the use of external cognitive aids stands out as the most effective way to minimize the processing load for attention.