The correct answer is: D. pattern matching
Pattern matching is an AI technique that allows computers to understand associations and relationships between objects and events. It does this by comparing patterns of data to known patterns. If the patterns match, the computer can then infer the relationship between the objects or events.
Heuristic processing is a problem-solving technique that uses rules of thumb or shortcuts to find solutions. Cognitive science is the study of the mind and how it works. Relative symbolism is a type of symbolism in which the meaning of a symbol is relative to its context.
None of these other options are AI techniques that allow computers to understand associations and relationships between objects and events.