In psychology, context-dependent memory is the improved recall of specific episodes or info when the context current at encoding and retrieval are the identical. In a less complicated manner, "when events are represented in memory, contextual information is stored together with memory targets; the context can subsequently cue memories containing that contextual info". One notably frequent example of context-dependence at work occurs when an individual has misplaced an item (e.g. misplaced car keys) in an unknown location. Sometimes, individuals attempt to systematically "retrace their steps" to find out the entire possible locations the place the item is perhaps located. Based on the position that context plays in determining recall, it isn't in any respect stunning that people usually quite simply discover the misplaced merchandise upon returning to the correct context. This concept is heavily related to the encoding specificity principle. This example finest describes the idea of context-dependent forgetting. However, the analysis literature on context-dependent memory describes plenty of various kinds of contextual info that may affect recall similar to environmental context-dependent memory, state-dependent studying, cognitive enhancement tool context-dependent memory and temper-congruent memory.

Research has additionally proven that context-dependence might play an necessary function in numerous conditions, corresponding to memory for studied materials, or occasions that have occurred following the consumption of alcohol or other medicine. Among the earliest analysis on this topic was performed by researchers within the thirties who analyzed how modifications in context have an effect on an individual's memory for nonsense syllables. These early research have been unable to exhibit an impact of context-dependent memory. Such non-vital results inspired the event of latest strategies, reminiscent of a retroactive interference paradigm, to analyze the effect of context on memory. By the 1950s, Memory Wave this technique was used to display an effect of contextual data on memory recall. However, the validity of using this particular paradigm has been questioned. Certainly, much of the early literature on this subject failed to supply conclusive evidence of any context-dependent results on memory. By the end of the 1970s, numerous successful demonstrations of a context-dependent effect appear in the literature.

As early as 1971, Jensen et al. In an identical timeframe, Endel Tulving and Donald Thompson proposed their extremely influential 'encoding specificity precept', which supplied the primary framework for understanding how contextual info impacts memory and recall. In 1975, the question of whether or not contextual info influences memory recall was famously investigated with the publication of Godden and Baddeley's paper detailing the well-known 'diving research'. A number of years previous to the publication of this study, researchers demonstrated that the memory of deep sea divers for events witnessed underwater was decreased after resurfacing. The authors word of their 1975 paper that this incidental result immediately suggested a attainable influence of the contextual atmosphere (being underwater) on recall. To test this speculation, Godden and Baddeley had divers learn and recall phrase lists in two separate environments; beneath water and on dry land. Their results demonstrated that memory for phrase lists discovered under water was higher when recall classes occurred under water as properly, and that a congruent effect existed for phrases realized and recalled on land.

In simplified type: altering the context between encoding and retrieval reduced the divers' capability to recall discovered phrases. The publication of this examine possible initiated the current synthesis of context-dependent memory as it's studied by psychologists today. It is value mentioning that sure scholars believe the English Philosopher John Locke referenced context-dependent memory in An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, which dates again to the 17th century. In this publishing, Locke wrote a couple of man studying a dance routine in a room containing an old wood trunk. After sufficient follow, the man learned to keep away from the wooden trunk to forestall himself from tripping throughout said dance routine. A number of things are thought to affect how contextual information interacts with memory recall. Equally, Memory Wave this meta-analysis means that reinstatement of context may be achieved not only by bodily returning to the encoding atmosphere, but additionally by mentally visualizing that environment. This examine considered solely environmental context-dependence. Moreover, other psychological constructs counsel additional limits on how context can affect memory.