Cue-dependent forgetting is a cognitive psychology concept that explains memory retrieval failures when contextual cues are absent. This phenomenon, highlighted by Endel Tulving, suggests that similar conditions during encoding and recall enhance memory access. Studies like Godden and Baddeley's 1975 research provide empirical evidence, showing a 50% improvement in recall when learning and recall contexts match. The theory has practical uses in forensic psychology and challenges such as interference and ecological validity.
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Cue-dependent forgetting is a term in cognitive psychology that describes the phenomenon where the ability to retrieve a memory is dependent on the presence of cues
Endel Tulving elaborated on the theory of cue-dependent forgetting, which emphasizes the importance of context in memory retrieval
Memories that are not emotionally charged or frequently rehearsed often rely on external cues for retrieval
According to the cue dependency theory, environmental and contextual stimuli serve as triggers for memory recall
In the absence of relevant cues, a person may experience retrieval failure despite the memory remaining intact
Memories that are emotionally significant or frequently rehearsed can be easily recalled without specific cues
Godden and Baddeley's 1975 study provided empirical evidence for cue-dependent forgetting by examining the impact of environmental context on memory retrieval
Understanding cue-dependent forgetting can enhance the reliability of eyewitness testimonies by ensuring that the context in which memories are recalled closely resembles the original event
Research has shown that even imagining the original learning context can aid in memory retrieval, highlighting the potential for mental reinstatement of context as a tool for improving recall
Critics point out that the cue-dependent forgetting theory does not fully explain all forms of forgetting, such as proactive and retroactive interference
The ecological validity of Godden and Baddeley's study has been questioned, as the use of artificial word lists may not accurately reflect everyday memory use
The cue-dependent forgetting theory has been criticized for potential circular reasoning, as it presupposes the existence of cues without direct evidence of their encoding with the memory
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Endel Tulving expanded on the theory that memories are more easily recalled when the ______ or conditions during retrieval match those during ______.
context
encoding
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Cue Dependency Theory - Definition
Theory stating environmental/contextual stimuli trigger memory recall; absence of cues can lead to retrieval failure.
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Retrieval Failure - Cause
Occurs when memory cues are absent, preventing recall of intact memories.
