A cue can help a memory return
Use a familiar setting to explore how retrieval cues work.
The picture in words
- Trying to recall
- A name can be difficult to bring to mind.
- A familiar context
- Objects or places can provide useful associations.
- Guided retrieval
- Those associations can make a name easier to retrieve.
Reading the illustration
This fictional example connects cues with information from an earlier encounter. A cue’s usefulness depends on the associations available.
Try a question
What could make the classroom a useful cue for the name?
Show the explanation
The classroom was part of the earlier encounter. Its details may connect with the name and help guide retrieval.
Read the sources
- Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020). Psychology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/8-4-ways-to-enhance-memorySelected introductory passages inspected
- Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020). Psychology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/8-1-how-memory-functionsSelected retrieval passages inspected