Memory -- Retreival

Retrieval refers to getting information out of the memory store…it is there, but how do we get it

out to be able to use?

Retrieval cues: stimuli that help people get information from long-term memory (LTM)● think of these cues like “search terms” one would use on an internet search engine, such as or “clues” to help find your stored memories

Retrieval: Getting Information Out

Retrieval CuesMemories are held in storage by a web of associations. These associations are like

anchors that help retrieve memory.

Retrieval cues are only as good as the memory itself…so retrieval will depend up on the type of memory & how

well it was encoded/stored

Sleep

Types of Retrieval

In recognition the person has to identify an item amongst others e.g., a multiple-choice test

requires recognition.

1.Name the capital of France

a.Brusselsb.Romec.Londond.Paris

In recall the person must retrieve information using effort, e.g., a fill-in-the blank test requires

recall.

1.The capital of Germany is ______.

Types of Retrieval

Berlin

Recall Exercise…50 States…

In relearning the individual shows how much time (or effort) is saved when learning material a

second time.

ListJetDaggerTreeKite…SilkFrogRing

It took 10 trialsto learn this list

ListJetDaggerTreeKite…SilkFrogRing

It took 5 trialsto learn the list

1 day later

Types of Retrieval

Priming

Procedure of providing cues that stimulate memories without awareness of the connection

between the cue and the retrieved memory

Often referred to as “memoryless memory” because it is done without our conscious

awareness…yet it predisposes us to interpret or recall information in a certain way

Context EffectsScuba divers recalled more words underwater if

they learned the list underwater, and recalled more words on land if they learned the list on land

(Godden & Baddeley, 1975).

Fred McConnaughey/ Photo Researchers

Context Effects

Bottom line… the more closely the retrieval cues match the form in which the information was encoded, the better the

information will be remembered.

If this is true, then how should you study for your next AP Psychology test? In what “context”?

Déja VuDéja Vu means “"I've experienced this before.” Cues from the current situation (context) may

unconsciously trigger retrieval of an earlier similar experience.

© The New Yorker Collection, 1990. Leo Cullum from cartoonbank.com. All Rights Reserved

Mood-congruent memory -- tendency to recall experiences that are consistent with one’s current mood…so if you are

happy or in a good mood, you are more likely to recall happy or positive event while a bad mood will bring about sad or

negative memories

Emotions, or moods serve as retrieval cues.

Moods and Memories

Inability to recall a word or idea, while knowing it is in your memory

● most common items of TOT are names and familiar objects

● Why does it happen?probably due to interference during recall…poor match between retrieval cues and encoding of information

●Name them…Dopey, Sleepy, Sneezy, Happy, Grumpy, Bashful, Doc

● State capitals…

TOT (tip-of-the-tongue) Phenomenon