Factors Influencing Retrieval

Question 1

Serial position effect

Answer 1

-recall is better for items at the beginning and the end, NOT MIDDLE
-PRIMACY effect: beginning is rehearsed and sent to Long-term memory
-RECENCY effect: end has just been heard, still in Short-term memory, actively being rehearsed and encoded

Question 2

Environmental effects (& encoding specificity hypothesis)

Answer 2

-we recall better when in same location as were info was encoded
-elements of physical setting are encoded along with the info= become a part of memory trace
-the environment is a retrieval cue
-Encoding specificity hypothesis: info previously learned in a specific environment comes to mind when in that environment
-ex: testing in same classroon, being at the scene of the crime

Question 3

State-dependent memory effect

Answer 3

• memory depends on the mental state that you are in
• we recall better when in same internal state as when we encoded the info
  -people who were sober or intoxicated recalled better when in that same state
  -whe down you recall more negative life experiences and when happy you recall more positive experiences