Cue-dependent forgetting
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edit=autoconfirmed:move=autoconfirmed
209692060
2008-05-02T13:48:15Z
Vollex
3966865
'''Cue-dependent forgetting''', or retrieval failure, is the failure to recall a [[memory]] due to missing [[Stimulus (physiology)|stimuli]] or cues that were present at the time the memory was [[Encoding (memory)|encoded]]. It is one of five [[cognitive psychology]] theories of [[forgetting]]. It states that a memory is sometimes temporarily forgotten purely because it cannot be retrieved, but the proper cue can bring it to mind. A good [[metaphor]] for this is searching for a book in a library without the [[Library of Congress Classification|reference number]], title, author or even subject. The information still exists, but without these cues retrieval is unlikely. Furthermore, a good [[Information retrieval|retrieval]] cue must be consistent with the original encoding of the information. If the sound of the word is [[emphasis|emphasized]] during the encoding process, the cue that should be used should also put emphasis on the [[phonetic]] quality of the word (Psychology Themes and variations, pg 282).
== State-Dependent Cues ==
State-dependent cues are governed by the [[mental state|state of mind]] and being at the time of encoding. The emotional or mental state of the person, such as being inebriated, drugged, upset, anxious, happy, or in love, are the key cues.
== Context-Dependent Cues ==
[[wiktionary:context|Context]]-dependent cues are dependent on the [[Social environment|environment]] and situation. Memory retrieval can be facilitated or triggered by replication of the context in which the memory was encoded. Such conditions include weather, company, location, smelling of a particular odour, hearing a certain song, even taste can sometimes act as a cue. For example, students sometimes fail to recall diligently studied material when an examination room's environmental conditions differ significantly from the room or place where [[learning]] occurred. To improve learning and recall, it is recommended that students should study under conditions that closely resemble an examination.
==See also==
*[[Forgetting]]
*[[State-dependent learning]]
*[[Learning]]
[[Category:Memory processes]]
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