Memory error: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 20:23, 2 March 2024

Revision as of 16:07, 23 March 2024

Line 81:

====Encoding specificity====

[[Encoding specificity principle|Encoding specificity]] is when retrieval is successful to the extent that the retrieval cues used to help recall, match the cues the individual used during learning or encoding.<ref name="Tulving">Tulving, E., & Thomson, D.M. (1973). Encoding specificity and retrieval processes in episodic memory. ''Psychological Review, 80''(5), 352–373</ref> Memory errors due to encoding specificity means that the memory is likely not forgotten, however, the specific cues used during encoding the primary event are now unavailable to help remember the event. The cues used during encoding are dependent on the environment of the individual at the time the memory occurred. In context-dependent memory, recall is based on the difference between the encoding and recall environments.<ref>Smith, S.M. (1984). A comparison of two techniques for reducing context-dependent forgetting. ''Memory and Cognition, 12''(5), 477–482.</ref> Recall for items learned in a particular context is better when recall occurs in the same place as when the initial memory occurred. This is why it is sometimes useful to “return"return to the scene of the crime”crime" to help witnesses remember details of a crime, or for explaining why going to a specific ___location such as a residence or community setting, may lead to becoming flooded with memories of things that happened in that context. Recall can also depend on state-dependency, or the conditions of one's internal environment, at both the time of the event and of recall.<ref name="Eich">Eich, J.E. (1980). The cue-dependent nature of state-dependent retrieval. ''Memory and Cognition, 8''(2), 157–173.</ref> For example, if intoxicated at the time the memory actually occurred, recall for details of the event is greater when recalling while intoxicated. Associated with state-dependency, recall can also depend on mood-dependency, in which recall is greater when the mood for when the memory occurred matches the mood during recall.<ref name="Hyman"/> These specific dependencies are based on the fact that the cues used during the initial event can be specific to the context or state one was in. In other words, various features of the environment (both internal and external) can be used to help encode the memory, and thus become retrieval cues. However, if the context or state changes at the time of recall, these cues may no longer be available, and thus recall is hindered.

====Transfer-appropriate processing====