Which term describes the process by which associations become automatic through repetition?

The correct term that describes the process by which associations become automatic through repetition is indeed priming. Priming refers to the psychological phenomenon where exposure to one stimulus influences the response to another stimulus, often without conscious awareness. This process often occurs through repetition, where repeated exposure to a particular stimulus can trigger related associations automatically, making them easier to recall or activate.

In this context, when an individual frequently encounters specific information or experiences, their brain begins to establish stronger, more automatic connections within memory networks, leading to quicker and more efficient retrieval of that information in the future. This can manifest in various ways, such as improved recall of related items or increased ease of processing associated concepts.

Other terms provided in the choices, such as elaborative rehearsal, prospective memory, and storage, relate to different aspects of memory and cognitive processes. Elaborative rehearsal involves actively processing information to allow for deeper understanding and retention but does not specifically address the automatic nature of associations formed through repetition. Prospective memory refers to the ability to remember to perform actions in the future, and storage pertains to the way information is maintained in memory, rather than the automatic associations formed through repeated exposure.