retrieval failure Flashcards
What is retrieval failure?
An explanation of forgetting where absence of cues leads to forgetting.
Cues are triggers that help recall information.
What does Tulving’s encoding specificity principle state?
Memory recall is more likely if cues during recall match those at encoding.
This principle emphasizes the importance of context in memory retrieval.
What are state-dependent cues?
Internal cues, such as physical or physiological states, that improve recall when matched at encoding and recall.
Example: Being drunk during both encoding and recall improves recall.
What are context-dependent cues?
Environmental cues that improve recall when the learning environment matches the recall environment.
Example: Learning in a classroom similar to the exam room improves recall during the exam.
What did Godden and Baddeley (1975) demonstrate about context-dependent cues?
Participants recalled words better when learning and recall environments matched.
Example: Both environments being underwater or both on land.
What are real-world applications of context-dependent cues?
Mimicking the exam hall environment while studying and using context cues in cognitive interviews.
Police use context cues to help eyewitness recall.
What did Carter and Cassaday (1998) find regarding state-dependent cues?
Recall was better when state cues matched at encoding and recall.
Example: Taking antihistamines during both encoding and recall.
What is a limitation of the research on cues and recall?
The relationship between cues and recall is correlational, not causal.
Other factors, such as interference theory, could affect recall.
Why is the theory of cues and recall considered reductionist?
It doesn’t account for all factors influencing recall.
This simplification may overlook complex interactions in memory processes.
What is the overall assessment of the theory of cues and recall?
It is useful and applicable but may be too simplistic.
The theory may not consider all possible causes of forgetting.
