Cue-dependent forgetting is a key concept in cognitive psychology, highlighting how specific cues or stimuli present during memory formation are crucial for recall. This theory, developed by Endel Tulving, suggests that memory retrieval is enhanced when contextual conditions match those at the time of encoding. The phenomenon is supported by Godden and Baddeley's 1975 study, which showed better recall in congruent environments. While useful in forensic psychology, the theory faces critiques regarding ecological validity and circular reasoning.
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Cue-dependent forgetting is a phenomenon in cognitive psychology that explains the difficulty in recalling information without specific cues or stimuli
Endel Tulving's Theory
Endel Tulving's theory posits that the accessibility of certain memories is enhanced when the contextual conditions at the time of retrieval are similar to those at the time of encoding
Interference Theory
The interference theory suggests that forgetting can occur due to conflicting memories
Contextual cues play a significant role in memory retrieval, as shown in Godden and Baddeley's 1975 study
Godden and Baddeley's study involved eighteen divers who were asked to learn and recall words in different environments
The study showed improved recall when the learning and retrieval environments were congruent, highlighting the importance of environmental cues in memory retrieval
The study's findings have practical implications, particularly in forensic psychology and law enforcement, where they can enhance the accuracy of eyewitness testimony
Studies on cue-dependent forgetting have been criticized for potential methodological weaknesses, such as circular reasoning and limited ecological validity
The theory has been criticized for its reductionist approach, as it does not account for other forms of forgetting
The theory has limitations in its partial explanation of forgetting phenomena and concerns about ecological validity and potential circular reasoning
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Cue-dependent forgetting theory originator
Endel Tulving elaborated the cue-dependent forgetting theory.
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Memory retrieval enhancement conditions
Similar contextual conditions at retrieval and encoding enhance memory accessibility.
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Impact of triggers on memory recall
Specific triggers are required to recall some memories, unlike frequently rehearsed or impactful ones.
