Retrieval cards

Vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental concepts, processes, control mechanisms, and test types associated with memory retrieval.

Episodic Retrieval

The partial re-creation (recapitulation) of a mental state from an original experience.

Pattern Completion

The process where a present retrieval cue reactivates an aspect of a stored memory, which subsequently activates other connected aspects of that memory.

Orthographic Features

Word features stored in semantic memory that relate to spelling and letter structure.

Phonological Features

Word features stored in semantic memory that relate to pronunciation and sound.

Morphological Features

Word features stored in semantic memory that pertain to meaningful word parts (e.g., prefixes, suffixes, and roots).

Cue Overload

The phenomenon where an increasing number of memories associated with a single cue leads to reduced effectiveness of that cue due to weakened, spread-out activation.

Retrieval Mode

The deliberate, intentional attempt to retrieve information or past events from episodic memory.

Cue Specification

A memory control process in retrieval mode that involves coming up with a retrieval cue when one is not physically present.

Cue Maintenance

A memory control process that involves keeping a generated cue active in working memory while searching long-term memory.

Interference Resolution

A memory control process that suppresses or inhibits an undesired memory when it pops up during retrieval.

Post-Retrieval Monitoring

A memory control process that evaluates whether a retrieved memory matches the target information and assesses certainty.

Direct Memory Test

A memory test in which a participant is explicitly asked to search and report what is in their memory.

Free Recall

A direct memory test format with no external cue provided, requiring the participant to generate their own retrieval cues.

Cued Recall

A direct memory test format in which sensory input includes a hint or paired stimulus to aid retrieval.

Recognition Test

A direct memory test format where a copy cue (such as yes/no or forced-choice options) is presented to match against memory.

Indirect Memory Test

A test where performance on a task is measured without explicitly asking the subject to consult memory, yet performance reflects past experience.

Lexical Decision Task

An indirect memory test where participants quickly categorize letter strings as real words or nonwords, showing faster processing for recently encountered words.

Context Effects

Enhanced memory retrieval performance occurring when the test environment, emotional state, or physiological state matches the encoding context.

Distributed Practice

Spacing study sessions across time and varied contexts, which increases the likelihood that a retrieval context will match one of the study contexts.