AP Psychology - Unit 2.6 Retrieving Memories

Retrieval

• accessing information that is stored in long-term memory

Recall

• retrieving information without any retrieval cues

Recognition

using retrieval cues to help access stored information 

• tends to be an easier retrieval method since there are external cues that can help trigger the memory

Retrieval Cues

associations that are formed when someone encodes a memory

help trigger memories

better the chance of remembering a suspended memory

examples;

• environment

• mood

• physical state

Context-Dependent Memory

• an individual can retrieve information more easily when placed in the same environment as when they first learned it

Mood-Congruent Memory

•  a specific type of state-dependent memory

• the tendency to remember experiences that match or are consistent with a person’s current mood

State-Dependent Memory

•  memory retrieval is improved by a person being in the same physical or mental state as when the memory was encoded

Metacognition

• reflecting on your own learning and thinking processes

• helps you understand what you truly know and what you’re struggling with