Memory Retrieval Basics
Retrieval is a process of accessing stored memories. When you are taking an exam, you need to be able to retrieved learned information from your memory in order to answer the test questions. There are four basic ways in which information can be pulled from long-term memory. The type of retrieval cues that are available can have an impact on how information is retrieved. A retrieval cue is a clue or prompt that is used to trigger the retrieval of long-term memory.- Recall: This type of memory retrieval involves being able to access the information without being cued with any part of the memory. For example, answering a question on a fill-in-the-blank test is a good example of recall.
- Recollection: This type of memory retrieval involves reconstructing memory, often utilizing a logical structures, partial memories, narratives or clues. For example, writing an answer on an essay exam often involves remembering bits on information, and then restructuring the remaining information based on these partial memories.
- Recognition: This type of memory retrieval involves identifying information after experiencing it again. For example, taking a multiple choice quiz requires you to recognize the correct answer out of a group of available answers.
- Relearning: This type of memory retrieval involves relearning information that has been previously learned. This often makes it easier to remember and retrieve information in the future and can improve the strength of memories.
Problems with Retrieval
Of course, the retrieval process doesn't always work perfectly. Have you ever felt like you knew the answer to a question, but couldn't quite remember the information? This phenomenon is known as a 'tip of the tongue' experience. While you may feel certain that this information is stored somewhere in your memory, you are unable to access and retrieve it.While it may be irritating or even troubling, research has shown that these experiences are extremely common, typically occurring at least once each week for most for younger individuals, and two to four times per week for elderly adults (Schacter, 2001). In many cases, people can even remember details such as the first letter that the word starts with (Brown, 1991).
References:
Brown, A.S. (1991). A review of the tip-of-the-tongue experience. Psychological Bulletin, 109(2), 204-223.
Schacter, D.L. (2001). The seven sins of memory: How the mind forgets and remembers. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
