In psychology, context-dependent memory is the improved recall of specific episodes or info when the context present at encoding and retrieval are the same. In a easier method, "when occasions are represented in memory, contextual data is saved together with memory targets; the context can due to this fact cue reminiscences containing that contextual info". One notably common example of context-dependence at work occurs when an individual has lost an merchandise (e.g. misplaced automotive keys) in an unknown location. Usually, folks try to systematically "retrace their steps" to determine all the possible locations the place the item could be positioned. Primarily based on the position that context performs in determining recall, it's not at all surprising that people usually quite simply uncover the lost merchandise upon returning to the right context. This idea is heavily related to the encoding specificity precept. This example finest describes the idea of context-dependent forgetting. However, the research literature on context-dependent memory describes numerous several types of contextual information which will have an effect on recall such as environmental context-dependent memory, state-dependent studying, cognitive context-dependent memory and mood-congruent memory.

Research has also shown that context-dependence might play an vital position in quite a few situations, resembling memory for studied materials, or occasions that have occurred following the consumption of alcohol or other drugs. A number of the earliest analysis on this topic was carried out by researchers in the thirties who analyzed how changes in context affect an individual's memory for nonsense syllables. These early studies were unable to display an impact of context-dependent memory. Such non-significant outcomes encouraged the event of recent methods, corresponding to a retroactive interference paradigm, to investigate the impact of context on memory. By the 1950s, Memory Wave Workshop this system was used to demonstrate an impact of contextual info on memory recall. Nevertheless, the validity of using this specific paradigm has been questioned. Certainly, much of the early literature on this topic failed to supply conclusive evidence of any context-dependent results on memory. By the tip of the 1970s, numerous profitable demonstrations of a context-dependent impact appear within the literature.

As early as 1971, Jensen et al. In an identical timeframe, Endel Tulving and Donald Thompson proposed their extremely influential 'encoding specificity principle', which supplied the primary framework for understanding how contextual data impacts memory and recall. In 1975, the query of whether contextual information influences memory recall was famously investigated with the publication of Godden and Baddeley's paper detailing the effectively-identified 'diving study'. A couple of years previous to the publication of this study, researchers demonstrated that the Memory Wave Workshop of deep sea divers for events witnessed underwater was decreased after resurfacing. The authors observe in their 1975 paper that this incidental outcome instantly suggested a possible affect of the contextual atmosphere (being underwater) on recall. To test this speculation, Godden and Memory Wave Baddeley had divers study and recall word lists in two separate environments; under water and on dry land. Their outcomes demonstrated that memory for phrase lists discovered under water was higher when recall sessions occurred under water as effectively, and that a congruent effect existed for phrases discovered and recalled on land.

In simplified type: altering the context between encoding and retrieval decreased the divers' potential to recall learned words. The publication of this study likely initiated the current synthesis of context-dependent memory as it's studied by psychologists right now. It's price mentioning that certain scholars believe the English Philosopher John Locke referenced context-dependent memory in An Essay Regarding Human Understanding, which dates back to the 17th century. In this publishing, Locke wrote a few man learning a dance routine in a room containing an old picket trunk. After sufficient practice, the man discovered to avoid the wood trunk to stop himself from tripping throughout mentioned dance routine. A number of factors are thought to affect how contextual information interacts with memory recall. Similarly, this meta-analysis means that reinstatement of context may be achieved not only by physically returning to the encoding atmosphere, but additionally by mentally visualizing that surroundings. This study considered solely environmental context-dependence. Additionally, other psychological constructs counsel further limits on how context can affect memory.