(8) Retrieving Memories

Hermann Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve

The process of forgetting is initially rapid, then levels off over time.

Retrieval Cue

Hints that help trigger the recall of information stored in memory.

Encoding Specificity Principle

Remembering information in the same place we encoded it.

Context-dependent memory

You recall information more easily when you are in the same external environment where you first learned it.

Example: A student studies for a test in their bedroom and finds it easier to recall the information during a test taken in the same bedroom.

State Dependent Memory

What we learn in one state may be more easily recalled in that same state.

Example: Someone who drank alcohol while studying may be better able to recall that information when they are drinking alcohol again, rather than when they are sober.

Mood-Congruent Memory

Recall experiences that are consistent with one’s current good or bad mood.

Example: If you are in a happy mood, you are more likely to recall happy memories.

Serial Position Effect

Tendency to recall best the last (recency effect) and first items (primacy effect) in a list.

Interleaving

Retrieval practice that involves mixing topics while studying.

Tip of Tongue Phenomenon

Retrieval process that doesn’t produce a complete response.